Food inflation in Belgium is approaching 5% (4.97%) this month, continuing an increase that began in January 2025, according to consumer protection organisation Testachats. Beef and chocolate, among other things, have become much more expensive.
For more than three years, Testachats has been monitoring price developments, based on more than 3,000 products from seven supermarket chains (Albert Heijn, Carrefour, Colruyt, Cora, Delhaize, Aldi and Lidl).
This is the fifth month in a row that inflation has risen: 3.29% in January, 3.39% in February, 3.97% in March and 4.35% in April. Inflation was still below 3% in December last year (2.81%).
Chocolate and beef remain expensive
Products containing chocolate are still among the top 10 products that have increased the most: dark chocolate (+44%), milk chocolate (+44%) and chocolate biscuits (+23%).
Meanwhile, orange juice (+20%) and coffee are also still on the rise – as is beef: entrecote is in the top 10 of products that have increased the most in one year (+23%), next to plain américain (24%).
However, some products now also cost less than a year ago; iceberg lettuce (-11%), cauliflower (-10%), fish sticks (-5%) and toothpaste (-5%) have decreased the most in one year.
Vegetables in a supermarket in Pelt. Credit: Belga
In recent weeks, various actors in the food chain and the Price Observatory have spoken out about the profit margins in the sector. Every player seems to be under pressure: farmers are not earning enough, manufacturers are warning of historically low margins and the retail sector is also under pressure.
Yet, prices remain too high for consumers. The various studies by the Price Observatory that were launched after the agri-food task force have not yet been able to provide clarity.
"It is a paradox: prices for consumers have been rising for years, and yet all the players in the chain keep telling us that they are not earning enough," said Laura Clays, spokesperson for Testachats. "More transparency across the entire food chain is needed to find solutions."
