Global food prices increased in February following five consecutive months of decline, according to the FAO Food Price Index, reports ProAgro Group.

In February, the index averaged 125.3 points, which is 0.9% higher than in January, though still about 1% lower than in February last year.

The rise was mainly driven by higher prices for wheat, vegetable oils, and meat, which outweighed declines in dairy products and sugar.

The FAO Cereal Price Index increased by 1.1% month-on-month, largely due to rising global wheat prices amid reports of frost in parts of Europe and the United States, as well as ongoing logistical disruptions in russia and the broader Black Sea region. Prices for coarse grains also edged higher, while the rice price index rose 0.4%, supported by stable demand for basmati and japonica varieties.

The Vegetable Oil Price Index recorded the strongest increase, rising 3.3% and reaching its highest level since June 2022. The increase was driven by higher prices for palm, soybean, and rapeseed oil, while sunflower oil prices declined slightly due to increased exports from Argentina.

The Meat Price Index rose 0.8%, with lamb prices reaching a historical high and beef prices increasing due to strong import demand from China and the United States. Prices for pork and poultry rose slightly compared with January.

Meanwhile, the Dairy Price Index declined 1.2%, mainly due to lower cheese prices. However, international quotations for milk powders increased amid stronger import demand from North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

The Sugar Price Index fell 4.1% month-on-month and 27.3% year-on-year, reflecting expectations of ample global supply during the current season.

As previously reported, despite the decline during the last months of 2025, the annual average FAO Food Price Index reached 127.2 points, which is 4.3% higher than in 2024.