Norway food prices rise slightly, but soda and coffee get cheaper

Food prices in Norway saw a modest increase of 0.3% from April to May, a significant slowdown compared to the 2.9% rise recorded during the same period last year. This moderation in food prices helped to temper the overall consumer price index growth, which settled at 3.1% in May.

The beverage sector experienced a notable price decrease. Soda and soft drinks became 4.8% cheaper in May, an unusually sharp decline for this category. This contrasts with a significant price hike seen from March to April.

Coffee prices also fell considerably, dropping by 12.1% in May. This marks the steepest monthly price decrease for coffee in recent times. Officials from Statistics Norway (SSB) noted that coffee prices reached their lowest level since May of the previous year. It remains uncertain whether this drop is due to promotional offers or reflects a more sustained trend of falling commodity prices.

Conversely, certain fruits saw substantial price increases. Citrus fruits, pears, and stone fruits like morello cherries, nectarines, and plums were 28.3% more expensive in May compared to April. These figures follow a general price jump in April, partly attributed to early Easter promotions.

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After reaching a price peak in April, coffee prices fell in May to their lowest level since May last year. It is uncertain whether the decline is due to promotional campaigns, or if it reflects a more lasting development where coffee prices are heading down in line with the fall in commodity prices over the past year.