BRATISLAVA – Concerns about the rising cost of living and shrinking purchasing power are widespread, but new data suggests Slovakia is bucking the trend, at least when it comes to food prices. The Ministry of Finance has released statistics indicating that Slovakia experienced one of the lowest rates of food inflation in the entire European Union.
“Food inflation (excluding beverages), which is a key indicator of the real development of food prices, was the fourth lowest in the entire European Union in Slovakia last year and the lowest among neighboring countries. This is confirmed by data on inflation developments for 2025 published by the European Statistical Office,” stated the Ministry, led by Minister Ladislav Kamenický (Smer-SSD).
While Slovakia’s food inflation (excluding beverages) stood at 1.7% for 2025, neighboring Hungary saw a rate of 2.9%, Austria 3%, the Czech Republic 4.1%, and Poland a significantly higher 4.4%. Across the EU, only Finland (1.4%), France (0.7%), and Cyprus (0.0%) recorded lower food inflation rates.
The Ministry also highlighted that the 1.7% inflation rate in Slovakia for 2025 is among the lowest since 2016. “Conversely, the highest food inflation was in 2022, reaching a level of as much as 19.3%, and subsequently in 2023, when it was 17.5%,” officials added.
The data arrives as many European consumers continue to feel the pinch of elevated grocery bills. Recent reports indicate a broader trend of increasing food prices across the continent, prompting shoppers to brace for further financial strain. However, Slovakia’s comparatively stable food prices offer a contrasting narrative.
The figures released by the Ministry of Finance provide a snapshot of the overall inflation picture, focusing specifically on the cost of food. While broader inflation rates encompass a wider range of goods and services, the food component is particularly sensitive for households, representing a significant portion of monthly expenses.
The relatively low food inflation in Slovakia could be attributed to a variety of factors, including government policies, supply chain dynamics, and the competitive landscape of the domestic food market. Further analysis would be needed to pinpoint the precise drivers behind this positive trend.
The European Statistical Office data, cited by the Ministry, provides a standardized benchmark for comparing inflation rates across EU member states. This allows for a more accurate assessment of Slovakia’s performance relative to its peers.
The Ministry’s announcement comes as policymakers grapple with the challenge of balancing economic growth with price stability. Maintaining affordable food prices is a key priority for governments across Europe, as it directly impacts the living standards of citizens.
While the data offers a positive outlook for Slovak consumers, it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue in the coming months. Global economic conditions, geopolitical events, and seasonal factors could all influence food prices in the future. However, for now, Slovakia appears to be an outlier in a region facing widespread food price pressures.
