From field to cart, prices accelerate: vegetables up 15.4% in a month
In September, inflation resumed its upward trend, reaching 4.2% year-on-year, up from 3.3% in August. This is the preliminary estimate released by Istat, which also shows a 0.7% increase compared to the previous month.
Fruit and vegetables: the price increase can be seen in the shopping cart
The main drivers of the upward trend are vegetables, tubers, bananas, and legumes, while fruit prices are also seeing increases again. Among fruit-bearing vegetables—tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, and pumpkins—the monthly increase reached 15.4%, according to data reported in the ISTAT survey. This trend is part of increased pressure on supply chain costs. High temperatures and water shortages have reduced agricultural yields in some cases, while transportation and the cold chain are being impacted by rising energy prices. This pattern has already been observed on the markets in previous weeks: in Milan, for example, sharp increases were reported for several vegetables, partly due to the reduction in available quantities.
The effect is reflected in the shopping cart, which includes food and household and personal care products: its growth increased from 0.9% to 1.7% year-over-year. The acceleration of high-frequency purchases was even stronger, from 4.3% to 5.3%.
Consumer associations also point out the impact on families. According to average estimates, the increased overall outlay can exceed €1,000 annually, while an assessment by Assoutenti estimates that food and beverages represent approximately €185 more annually for a family with two children, with the same consumption.
Energy and fuels push up the rest of the prices
The energy component remains the main driver of inflation: energy prices rose from 17.1% to 22.3% year-over-year. Gas on the regulated market grew by 47.2%, diesel by 34.9%, and gasoline by 21.8%. The increase in fuel prices is also reflected in transportation costs and, indirectly, in supply chain costs.
Prices for recreational, cultural, and personal care services also increased in September, while those for transportation services increased year-over-year. Core inflation, excluding energy and fresh food, rose from 1.5% to 1.7%. Target inflation for 2026, however, reached 3.1%. The final price data for September will be released by Istat on October 16.
