According to the Federal Government, the increase in food prices since 2020 has been considerably sharper than the general rate of inflation. These findings stem from a response by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture to an inquiry posed by the Die Linke parliamentary faction, as reported by the “Rheinische Post.”
The Ministry reported that from the start of 2020 until mid-2025, food prices climbed by a total of 36.3 percent. In contrast, general inflation accelerated by only 22 percent during the same timeframe. The ministerial statement noted that the increases relative to the 2020 baseline were particularly steep for items such as poultry, numerous dairy products, eggs, fats and oils, and sugar. Meanwhile, increases were minor for fruit, fish, processed seafood, beverages, and ready meals. Price increases in food products have continued since mid-2025.
Politician Ina Latendorf of Die Linke demands action on the level of competition policy. She expressed astonishment that “the Federal Government refuses to intervene in the market power of the four supermarket giants or take even a single regulatory measure.” Latendorf argued that establishing a price monitoring agency and limiting the profit margins of food conglomerates are necessary right now to prevent a new price spiral by removing the incentives. For social reasons, she also proposed eliminating the value-added tax (VAT) on basic foodstuffs.
