Global food prices rise in February after five-month decline: FAO Food Price Index

Global food commodity prices increased in February 2026 after several months of decline, according to the latest data released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI), which tracks monthly changes in international prices of widely traded food commodities, averaged 125.3 points in February. This marked a rise of 1.1 points, or 0.9%, compared with the revised January level and represents the first increase in five months. 

Despite the monthly increase, global food prices remained slightly below their levels a year earlier. The February index was 1.3 points, or about 1%, lower than the same period last year and nearly 22% below the record peak reached in March 2022, when global markets were disrupted by supply shocks and geopolitical tensions. 

The FAO Food Price Index measures the average change in international prices of a basket of food commodities and is calculated using price indices from five major groups: cereals, vegetable oils, dairy products, meat and sugar. These components are weighted according to their average export shares during the 2014-2016 base period.

In February, the increase in the overall index was mainly driven by higher prices for cereals, meat and vegetable oils. Rising demand and market concerns contributed to firmer prices in some segments of the global grain market, lifting the cereal index. The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 108.6 points during the month, up 1.1% from January, although it remained below its level recorded a year earlier.

Meanwhile, prices for dairy products and sugar declined during the month, partly offsetting the gains in other commodities. The FAO Sugar Price Index dropped to 86.2 points in February, down 4.1% from January and significantly lower than its level a year earlier. Expectations of ample global supplies and favourable production prospects continued to put downward pressure on sugar prices in international markets. 

The FAO Food Price Index is widely used as a benchmark indicator of global food market trends. It provides insights into changes in international prices for major agricultural commodities and helps policymakers, businesses and analysts monitor developments affecting food security, trade and inflation across the world. FAO releases the index every month, offering a timely snapshot of shifts in global food markets.