FAO: food prices stabilise
10 Dec 2014» The FAO Food Price Index averaged 192.6 points in November 2014, virtually unchanged from October, but 13 points (6.4%) below November 2013. While the price indices of both cereals and vegetable oils rose last month, they fell markedly in the case of sugar and dairy products and remained stable in the case of […]

» The FAO Food Price Index averaged 192.6 points in November 2014, virtually unchanged from October, but 13 points (6.4%) below November 2013. While the price indices of both cereals and vegetable oils rose last month, they fell markedly in the case of sugar and dairy products and remained stable in the case of meat.
» The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 183 points in November, up 4.7 points (2.6%) from October, but still 11.3 points (5.8%) down year-on-year. The November increase marked the first significant monthly gain since March 2014, as large supplies and prospects of another good production in 2014 continued to weigh on prices. However, in the past few weeks, international wheat quotations recovered, largely on less than ideal growing conditions in recently sown crops in North Hemisphere countries, while maize received support from gains in the soybean complex. By contrast, rice prices weakened, reflecting the arrival of abundant newly harvested supplies on the market and sluggish import demand.
» The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 164.9 points in November, up 1.2 points (0.7%) month-on-month, but 16.9% below November 2013. Last month’s rise was mainly driven by an improvement in palm oil prices, following production slowdowns in Malaysia and Indonesia and steady global import demand. Quotations for sunflower oil also remained firm on lower than anticipated global production. Continued weakness in soyoil prices prevented the index from appreciating further.
» The FAO Dairy Price Index averaged 178.1 points in November, down 6.2 points (3.4%) from October and 72.7 points (29.0%) less year-on-year; the substantial fall in international milk product prices over the past 12 months compares with a more modest year-on-year decline for the FAO Food Price Index overall. Since the beginning of the year, when prices were exceptionally high, quotations for dairy products have fallen, mainly as a result of increased export availability and a reduction in the pace of importation by some of the major markets, especially China and the Russian Federation.
» The FAO Meat Price Index averaged 210.4 points in November, essentially unchanged from its revised value for October. Quotations for most types of meat, in particular bovine meat, are at historic highs, and the Index stands 24.8 points (13.3%) above its corresponding level in 2013. Quotations for all types of meat were stable in November, with the exception of ovine meat which moved moderately higher.
» The FAO Sugar Price Index averaged 230 points in November, down 7.6 points (3.2%) from October 2014. Last month’s decline reflected a return of rainfalls in the main sugar producing region in Brazil, the world’s largest sugar producer and exporter, which reduced concerns over the potential effect of a prolonged drought that had affected the country. Against a backdrop of ample supplies, international sugar prices remained about 8% below their level in November 2013.
Related news

Scouting out the latest health trends and innovations at Vitafoods Europe
20 May 2022
From mood, cognition, and gut health to the importance of selling experiences rather than products, the Healthy Marketing Team (HMT) rounds up the biggest trends it spotted at Vitafoods Europe last week.
Read more
Top trends to watch at Expo West
18 Feb 2022
From the foodification of supplements to mission-driven commerce, trendspotters at Natural Products Expo West have identified the top 10 trends shaping the US healthy food industry.
Read more
New Product Zone showcased the most innovative products at Fi Europe
15 Dec 2021
Attendees of Fi Europe 2021 were able to discover an extensive selection of the most innovative products, showcased alongside insightful information at the New Product Zone.
Read more
Startup Innovation Challenge 2021: Recognising disruptive ideas in F&B innovation
6 Dec 2021
The Fi Global Startup Innovation Challenge aims to support innovative projects within the F&B industry by offering startups the opportunity to showcase their innovations and meet the industry's foremost ingredients professionals.
Read more
Fi Europe Innovation Awards: Recognising innovative ingredient solutions at Fi Europe 2021
6 Dec 2021
The Fi Europe Innovation Awards recognise ground-breaking work in food and beverage ingredients at the annual Fi Europe, co-located with Hi Europe, event. This year has featured some outstanding ingredients and concepts in the fields of health, sustain...
Read more
Fi Europe opens its doors to in-person attendees today!
30 Nov 2021
After a week-long online program Fi Europe opens for in-person attendees under 2G measures in Frankfurt today – if you’re not able to attend in-person, you can follow the program from the show floor live on the online platform.
Read more
Obama celebrated 60 with top vegan brands
9 Aug 2021
Plant-based foods have become so widely accepted that former President Barack Obama’s 60th birthday celebration featured a vegan, plant-based menu, according to a menu leaked by Bloomberg.
Read more
Plant-based nugget prices cheaper than real chicken
3 Aug 2021
Chickenflation is a real thing, and plant-based protein maker Alpha Foods is taking advantage of skyrocketing chicken prices to grab the attention of non-meat eaters and meat eaters alike.
Read more
Future of Nutrition Award debuts at the Fi Europe Innovation Awards
16 Jul 2021
The Fi Europe Innovation Awards, held at Fi Europe 2021 co-located with Hi Europe, celebrate people, companies and organisations breaking new ground in the Food & Beverage industry.
Read more
Flavor company Givaudan crowdsources flavors with its Aroma Kiosk
12 Apr 2021
Swiss flavor giant Givaudan has rolled out its Aroma Kiosk, a digital sensory tool that crowdsources flavor preferences. These kiosks are located globally in grocery and retail stores as well as universities where shoppers can interact with the technol...
Read moreAre you a supplier?
Here's what we can do for you
- Generate quality leads for your business
- Stay visible for 365 days of the year
- Receive product inquiries and respond to meeting requests directly
- Improve company online presence through Search Engine Optimisation