For Food & Beverage companies, knowing whether a price is rising or falling is not enough. What matters most is understanding how it may evolve, assessing its impact on margins and ensuring continuity of supply.

A market moving at different speeds

According to the FAO Food Price Index, the global food price index stood at 130.3 points in June 2026, slightly lower than in May but still 1.7% above its June 2025 level.

Behind this apparent stability, contrasting trends are emerging: vegetable oils and meat recorded increases, while cereals, sugar and dairy products experienced price declines.

Cereals, in particular, demonstrate how quickly the situation can change. In June, the FAO cereal price index fell by 3.5%, with wheat prices decreasing by 4.4% and maize prices by 6.2%. Harvests, weather conditions and availability on international markets nevertheless remain difficult to predict.

Data from Europe and Italy

According to Eurostat, average agricultural output prices in the European Union decreased by 2.9% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

The most significant declines concerned milk, whose price fell by 15.5%, and cereals, which decreased by 11.7%. However, lower market prices do not indicate a complete return to normality: during the same period, the cost of fertilisers and soil improvers increased by 6.6%.

These expenses are compounded by energy, processing, packaging and transport costs, which continue to influence the final price of food products.

In Italy, inflation stood at 3.0% in June 2026, according to ISTAT data. The rate of increase for the so-called “shopping basket” slowed from 1.9% to 1.3%, while unprocessed food prices remained 4.4% higher than a year earlier.

A decrease in the price of a raw material is therefore not immediately reflected in retail prices. Between the source and the final consumer, several factors come into play, including processing, energy, packaging, logistics, distribution and promotional activities.

Supply chains to monitor

• Cereals, which are essential for pasta, flour and bakery products.
• Milk and dairy products, which remain exposed to energy and processing costs.
• Vegetable oils and olive oil, which are particularly sensitive to climate conditions and Mediterranean harvests.
• Coffee, cocoa and sugar, whose price trends can be influenced by harvest yields, weather conditions and availability on international markets.

Compared with previous years, the outlook for 2025–2026 appears less critical, but it remains fragile. For Food & Beverage companies, purchasing at the lowest possible price is not enough. They also need continuity of supply, margin control, reliable partners and flexibility in managing price lists and product ranges.

Venietiam supports producers and industry operators in interpreting market developments, helping them build commercial proposals that keep pace with changes in international supply chains and the requirements of different distribution channels.

Sources consulted

FAO, Food Price Index — https://www.fao.org/worldfoodsituation/foodpricesindex/en/

Eurostat, Agricultural prices decreased in Q1 2026 —
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20260611-1

ISTAT, Consumer Prices, June 2026 — https://www.istat.it/comunicato-stampa/prezzi-al-consumo-giugno-2026/

L'articolo Food raw materials in Italy and Europe: a balance that remains fragile proviene da Venietiam.

Key data

• Record Italian agri-food exports: according to Coldiretti based on Istat data, in 2025 Made in Italy agri-food exports reached almost €73 billion, growing by 5% compared with the previous year.
• The UK among the main markets: Great Britain is confirmed as the fourth-largest destination market for Italian agri-food products, worth around €4.9 billion, again according to the Coldiretti analysis based on Istat data.
• Italy among the UK’s leading suppliers: according to the Food & Drink Federation Trade Snapshot 2025, Italy is one of the United Kingdom’s leading food & drink supplier countries, with a value of around £4.2 billion and growth of 6.0% compared with the previous year.
• The UK market remains highly open to imports: according to DEFRA / GOV.UK, in 2025 British imports of Food, Feed and Drink reached £67.8 billion, with growth of 6% compared with 2024 at current prices.

What these figures mean

The data confirms that the United Kingdom remains one of the most important markets for Italian Food & Beverage. Made in Italy continues to be associated with quality, taste, tradition, origin and gastronomic culture, especially in categories such as:

• pasta
• preserved foods
• bakery products
• oil
• wine
• cheeses
• food service ingredients
• regional specialities

However, the British market has become more selective. Italian identity remains an advantage, but it is no longer enough on its own: buyers, distributors and retailers are looking for reliable products that are well positioned and supported by solid commercial and operational management.

The main challenges

• Price and margins: British consumers are more focused on value for money.
• Positioning: an Italian product must clearly communicate why it deserves space on the shelf or in the food service channel.
• Supply continuity: retailers and distributors are looking for partners able to guarantee availability, reliable lead times and efficient management.
• Compliance and documentation: in the post-Brexit environment, labelling, customs requirements, checks and traceability have become decisive factors.
• International competition: the UK market remains attractive, but it is increasingly served by both European and non-European suppliers.

The 2025/2026 picture is clear: Italian Food & Beverage in the United Kingdom remains strong, recognised and competitive, but it operates in a more demanding market.

For Italian companies, the opportunity is not just to export to the United Kingdom, but to build a stable, credible and well-managed presence.

Venietiam operates precisely in this space: it supports Food & Beverage producers and operators who want to bring Italian products into the UK market with a structured, reliable and growth-oriented approach.

Sources consulted

Coldiretti, Made in Italy: record agri-food exports worth €73 billion
https://www.coldiretti.it/economia/made-in-italy-export-agroalimentare-da-record-con-73-miliardi

Food & Drink Federation, Trade Snapshot 2025
https://www.fdf.org.uk/fdf/resources/publications/trade-reports/fdf-trade-snapshot-2025/

Food & Drink Federation, Trade Snapshot 2025, PDF
https://www.fdf.org.uk/globalassets/resources/publications/reports/trade-reports/2025-trade-snapshot.pdf

DEFRA / GOV.UK, UK trade in Food, Feed and Drink, 2025 provisional
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-trade-in-food-feed-and-drink-2025-provisional/uk-trade-in-food-feed-and-drink-2025-provisional

Reuters, Higher British alcohol tariffs sap exports of Spanish red wine
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/higher-british-alcohol-tariffs-sap-exports-spanish-red-wine-2025-06-24/

L'articolo Italian Food & Beverage in the UK market: 2025/2026 data and opportunities for Made in Italy proviene da Venietiam.

According to Savills, the UK food and grocery market is worth approximately £195.3 billion and is forecast to grow to £214 billion by 2028. This growth, however, is not only about consumption: retailers need to focus on margins, volumes, promotions, and differentiation within their offer.

Where UK Grocery Retail Is Heading

• Structural promotions: at Christmas 2025, according to Kantar, 33.3% of grocery spend was linked to promotions and offers, the highest level since before the pandemic.
• More premium private label: premium own-label grew by 9%, reached 7.5% of sales, and exceeded £1 billion for the first time in December 2025.
• Stronger discounters: in 2026 Lidl overtook Morrisons to become the fifth-largest supermarket in Great Britain, with an 8.6% market share.
• Evolving convenience retail: the channel is no longer just about quick shopping, but also food-to-go, chilled food, ready-to-eat products, lunch solutions, and proximity purchases.

The Most Interesting Food Trends

• Snackification: premium savoury snacks, finger food, dips, antipasti, baked goods, and small formats are gaining ground for aperitif occasions, quick lunches, and informal dinners.
• Dine-in at home: consumers are looking for restaurant-style experiences to enjoy at home. This creates space for premium ready meals, aperitif kits, high-end sauces, gourmet side dishes, and meal solutions.
• Frozen pantry: frozen food is increasingly seen as a smart pantry: practical yet high-quality products that can reduce waste and preparation time.
• Health, fibre and protein: products rich in fibre and protein are growing, with recognisable ingredients and a lower perception of being ultra-processed.
• Flavour boosters: sauces, pestos, flavoured oils, savoury spreads, preserves, and condiments respond to the need to cook less while eating better.
• No- and low-alcohol: during Christmas 2025, Kantar reported a 14% growth in category spend, involving 2.7 million households.

The UK market remains competitive, but it is not driven by price alone. Consumers are looking for value, convenience, and perceived quality; retailers are looking for products suited to promotions, premium private label, discounters, convenience retail, and new consumption occasions.

In Food & Beverage, the opportunity is not to chase every trend, but to select products that align with these trends and bring them to market with a clear, reliable, and well-positioned proposition.

Venietiam works in this space: reading the market, identifying tangible opportunities, and guiding food & beverage products towards increasingly sophisticated channels, formats, and consumers.

Sources consulted

Savills UK | Spotlight: UK Grocery Report – 2025

Kantar, Promotions, premium own label and no alcohol options 

Waitrose / John Lewis Partnership, Food & Drink Report 2025/26 

IFE, Five food and drink trends set to shape 2026 

The Guardian, Lidl overtakes Morrisons 

Savills UK | Spotlight: UK Grocery Report – 2025

L'articolo UK Food & Grocery Retail Trends 2025/2026: What British Retailers and Consumers Are Looking For proviene da Venietiam.

This will be an important opportunity to meet in person, present our services and discuss concrete opportunities to develop projects in the food & beverage sector.

We look forward to welcoming you at our stand:
Stand: N976
Category: Speciality Food

If you would like to arrange a meeting with our team during the exhibition, please contact us: giovendramin@venietiam.co.uk

L'articolo Venietiam at IFE 2026: From March 30th to April 1st in London proviene da Venietiam.

This certification confirms our ability to:

• Ensure the safety, quality, and traceability of the products we select and distribute
  
  
  
• Effectively manage the chain of custody, maintaining high standards of compliance and accountability
• Operate in full compliance with import regulations and product authenticity requirements

Another important step that strengthens the trust of our international partners and confirms our ongoing commitment to excellence.

Link: https://directory.brcgs.com/site/10018152

L'articolo A new milestone for Venietiam: BRCGS Agents and Brokers Certification Achieved proviene da Venietiam.

What is the BRCGS Agents & Brokers certification?
The BRCGS Agents & Brokers certification is a specific standard dedicated to agents and brokers in the food sector, developed to guarantee the safety, quality and legality of the products handled. This standard is fundamental for all companies operating in the food supply chain, ensuring that products meet rigorous compliance requirements. For more information, visit the official website: BRCGS Agents & Brokers Certification.

A concrete commitment for the future
By obtaining the certification, Venietiam aims to further strengthen the trust of commercial partners and customers, guaranteeing increasingly safe and transparent procurement and distribution processes. This achievement confirms our vision oriented towards excellence and continuous innovation in the Food & Beverage sector.

Stay updated
We will continue to share the developments of the path towards BRCGS certification and the further projects that consolidate our reference position in the international market.

L'articolo Venietiam: Procedure launched for BRCGS Agents & Brokers certification proviene da Venietiam.

L'articolo Venietiam at IFE 2025: Italian food excellence in London proviene da Venietiam.