Global food prices
Assessed by an AI model against this signal's rubric. Describes conditions; not a forecast or advice.
AlertWorseningFAO index 136.0 (Sep)
FAO food index at 136, up 5.8% on a year
Why it's at this level
The FAO Food Price Index rose 1.5% in September to 136.0, 5.8% above a year earlier and above the 135 Alert line (published 8 Oct). Cereals rose 5.1% and sugar 6.1%, driven by Black Sea logistics, dry weather and Hormuz shipping uncertainty. The October figure is due in the first week of November.
What this means for you
Food inflation is likely to stay elevated. Import-dependent poorer countries are most exposed.
Why it matters
Food prices drive inflation, hunger and political unrest; poorer countries spend up to half of income on food.
What moves it
Harvests, weather, fertiliser and energy costs, export bans, conflict in breadbaskets.
Status at each of the last 2 checks
How it's rated
Alert
FFPI > 135, or multiple major exporters ban exports of a staple.
Watch
FFPI 120–135, or y/y > +5%, or a major exporter restricts exports.
Normal
FAO Food Price Index < 120 and y/y change < +5%.