USDA predicts food prices will climb at slower rate this year

Consumers may find price tags ticking up at the grocery store in coming months, as a 2023 inflation report predicts food prices could rise as much as 10% this year.

Food prices are forecast to grow more slowly in 2023 than in 2022 but still at above-historical average rates, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service March 2023 report.

The Consumer Price Index for all foods increased 0.4% from January to February 2023 and was 9.5% higher than in February 2022. All food prices are predicted to increase 7.5% this year, the report said.

ERS also forecasts food-away-from-home prices will increase 0.5% higher than food-at-home, or grocery store, purchases.

Prices increased for all food-at-home categories except fresh vegetables and eggs from January to February this year.

Retail prices for fresh fruits and vegetables are predicted to continue their relatively slow growth from 2022.

A series of cold weather snaps in early 2022 reduced fruit and vegetable production in the U.S. But without extreme cold periods in early 2023, this year’s supply should increase, said Tony Banks, senior assistant director for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Department of Agriculture, Development and Innovation.

“So, barring an unforeseen cause, prices should remain steady or slightly lower for fresh fruits and vegetables,” Banks explained.

Following an outbreak of avian influenza, egg prices had a 32.2% price increase between 2021 and 2022—the largest increase in any category tracked by ERS, the report said.

Retail egg prices decreased 6.7% in February 2023 but remained 55.4% above February 2022 prices. Egg prices are predicted to increase another 29.6% in 2023.

“The volatility in egg prices is largely driven by continued incidence of HPAI in the U.S. and Canada, and it’s being exacerbated by the overall inflationary pressure,” Banks said. “So we’re not running out of eggs. Supply has tightened up, and markets are responding to fill temporary disruptions, which may have an effect on egg prices in the short run.”

To view the full report, visit ers.usda.gov

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