Global Meat Prices Hit Record High as Food Index Rises
World Food Prices Rise for Third Month as Meat Index Hits Record High
Global food prices rose again in April, with the FAO Food Price Index reaching its highest level in more than three years.
The index averaged 130.7 points in April, up 1.6% from March and marking the third consecutive monthly increase. The rise was driven mainly by higher vegetable oil prices, which climbed 5.9% month on month to their highest level since July 2022.
FAO said vegetable oil markets were supported by stronger prices for palm, soy, sunflower and rapeseed oils. Higher crude oil prices and biofuel demand also added pressure, particularly for palm oil.
For the meat sector, the FAO Meat Price Index reached a new record high in April, rising 1.2% from March and 6.4% above the same period last year. Bovine meat prices also hit a new peak, supported by higher export quotations from Brazil, where supplies of slaughter ready cattle remain limited.
Pig meat prices also moved higher, helped by firmer EU quotations and seasonal demand, while ovine meat values were broadly stable. By contrast, sugar prices fell by 4.7% as improved supply prospects in Brazil, China and Thailand weighed on the market.
The latest figures underline the continued pressure on global food commodity markets, with energy, fertiliser, biofuel demand and livestock supply all influencing prices. For the meat trade, record global meat values point to ongoing pressure on processors, importers, retailers and consumers.
Source: Reuters | 8 May 2026
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