Eurostat: Food price levels highest in Denmark

The price level of a comparable basket of food and non-alcoholic beverages across the EU was more than twice as high in the most expensive member state than in the cheapest one.

Price levels ranged from 62% of the EU average in Romania and 65% in Poland, to 150% of the average in Denmark, followed by Sweden (126%), Austria (125%), Luxembourg (123%), Finland (118%), Ireland (117%), Belgium, France and Italy (all 112%).

The food and non-alcoholic beverage category covers bread and cereals, meat, fish, milk, cheese, eggs, oils and fats, fruits, vegetables, potatoes, other food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Data are based on results of a price survey covering more than 2,400 consumer goods and services across Europe. Price level indices (PLIs) provide a comparison of countries' price levels relative to the European Union average. ​

Eurostat is the statistical office of the European Union.

Price for alcoholic beverages and tobacco showed significant variations between EU Member States.

The lowest price level was in Bulgaria (56% of the average), ahead of Romania (69%) and Hungary (70%).

The highest were in Ireland (174%) and the UK (157%), followed by the three Nordic EU Member States – Finland (139%), Sweden (127%) and Denmark (123%).

Eurostat said the large variation is mainly due to differences in taxation of the products among member states.