00:01Fresh produce prices have surged across Europe in recent months.
00:06This is largely driven by high energy costs.
00:10Unprocessed food prices, including those of items such as fruit, vegetables, meat and fish,
00:15rose 4.6 percent. That is up from 2.7 percent in August.
00:20Energy was the main driver, with fuel, electricity and heating being a fifth more expensive than a year prior.
00:27And when those costs increase, fresh produce which cannot sit in a warehouse for months is particularly impacted.
00:35Italy, for example, was hard hit.
00:37In October, unprocessed food in the country cost 7.5 percent more than a year prior.
00:43This is up 5.5 percent in September.
00:46Prices for the typical shopping basket rose 2.5 percent, up from 1.5.
00:52Also in other countries across Europe, including in France, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Romania,
00:58grocery shopping has gotten more expensive.
01:01While fresh produce prices have risen sharply, overall food price increases across Europe,
01:07particularly those of processed foods, have remained relatively modest this year.
01:12Thank you very much for coming.
01:13All right.
01:14Give me a few thoughts in the comments.
01:14Bye-bye.
