Irish food prices second most expensive in euro zone
Ireland had the second most expensive food prices in the euro zone in 2021, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office.
The figures show food prices on average 17% higher than the EU average. Food prices in all categories, except fish, were higher than the EU average.
The figures also show that Ireland and Malta are jointly the second most expensive countries in the EU for non-alcoholic drinks.
Prices for alcoholic beverages were just over double the EU average making Ireland the second most expensive country for alcohol.
Tobacco was 145% higher in Ireland than the EU average and the most expensive of the countries surveyed.
The CSO’s publication is based on statistics published by Eurostat earlier this month.
They include price comparisons with EU applicant countries, as well as Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.
When these countries are included, the most expensive place for food and non-alcoholic drinks is Switzerland with prices 66% above the EU average.
Ireland was the sixth most expensive with prices 19% above the EU average.
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, Iceland is the most expensive country with prices 186% above the EU average.
Ireland is the fourth most expensive country with prices double the EU average. North Macedonia is the cheapest location with prices 19% below the EU average.