Structural cost pressures in the food supply chain, such as labor and transportation, are driving food inflation's divergence from overall inflation.

CURRENT STATE

In January 2026, food prices increased 2.9% year-over-year, outpacing the 2.4% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items. Farm-level cattle prices drove beef prices higher, and tariffs on packaging materials added to the upward pressure.

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