Supermarket Prices Dropped by 0.35% Over the Last Year

A marginal increase of 0.60% was recorded in product prices in February 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, according to research from the Institute of Retail Consumer Goods Research (IELKA). Simultaneously, a 0.35% decrease in supermarket prices was noted over the rolling 12-month period compared to last year. Detailed findings from the IELKA research include: 1. Inflation in supermarket chains is around +0.60% in February 2025. The stabilization in February is attributed to minor general changes and the offsetting effect of certain categories experiencing increases due to seasonal conditions, such as those related to cocoa, coffee, and seafood, balanced by steady decreases in several other categories. 2. Significant price reductions were observed in categories like pet food (-7.08%), cleaning products (-5.58%), dairy products (-1.58%), baby products (-1.34%), and single-use items (-1.20%). These reductions are partly due to market normalization post-pandemic and lower producer prices for some products. 3. The largest price increases occurred in categories such as biscuits, chocolates, and sweets (+5.47%), breakfast items and beverages (+4.55%), fresh fish and seafood (+3.19%), appetizers (+2.82%), and dairy products (+2.06%). International prices of cocoa and coffee significantly impact sweet goods and beverages, while supply-demand dynamics influence seafood and reduced livestock numbers affect dairy products. 4. Reasons for pricing trends in supermarkets include inflation moderation, stable pricing due to large volumes, technological readiness, private label products, international market adjustments, government interventions, increased offers and discounts, high inventory turnover rates, and the growing share of private label sales.