Food consumer prices grew 11
times the average rate of yearly inflation (+0.1%) but those
earnings did not benefit those who produced the food, Coldiretti
farmers association said Tuesday.
"The trend in food prices reflects seasonal conditions but
it also the result of distortions that still exist and occur
after the products leave the field and before they reach the
table," Coldiretti said.
"In that phase, prices rise an average of five times,
albeit with differences between fresh produce and processed
foods".
Coldiretti added that Italian family spending on food and
beverages rose by an estimated 0.3% in 2015 after contracting
for seven consecutive years. The positive trend is expected to
continue this year, the association said.
Food spending is the second most important family budget
item after housing, and is a key indicator of the state of the
national economy, Coldiretti said.
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