FAO Food Price Index Falls for Third Month as Cereals and Dairy Ease
12 November 2026, Rome, IT: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s Food Price Index declined for a third consecutive month in October, as falling cereal, dairy, and meat prices offset a continued climb in sugar costs, the agency reported on November 6.
The overall index averaged 133.9 points in October, down 1.6 points, or 1.2 percent, from a revised September reading, though it remained up 7.5 points, or 5.9 percent, from the same month last year. The index is still 26.3 points, or 16.4 percent, below the record peak it reached in March 2022. The index tracks a basket of internationally traded food commodities including cereals, vegetable oils, dairy, meat, and sugar.
Sugar extends its rally
The cereals sub-index fell to 116.8 points, down 5.5 points, or 4.5 percent, from September. Wheat prices dropped after four consecutive monthly increases, as demand softened and the supply outlook improved, notably in Argentina. Maize prices eased back from the three-year high reached in September. FAO’s All Rice Price Index moved in the opposite direction, rising 1.6 percent over the month.
The sugar sub-index told a different story, climbing to 121.3 points, up 7.5 points, or 6.6 percent, marking its fourth consecutive monthly increase and its highest level since December 2024. FAO attributed the rise to rain that disrupted cane harvesting and crushing in Brazil’s Centre-South growing region, the country’s main sugar-producing area, along with concerns over India’s monsoon performance and lower forecast output in the European Union and Thailand.
The vegetable oil sub-index rose modestly to 199.2 points, up 0.6 points, or 0.3 percent, as soybean and sunflower oil prices increased, rapeseed oil fell, and palm oil held nearly steady.
Dairy and meat prices retreat
Dairy prices fell to 117.8 points, down 1.3 points, or 1.1 percent, as butter and cheese prices declined even as skim milk powder prices rose. The meat sub-index slipped to 125.5 points, down 1.6 points, or 1.2 percent, with pig, sheep, and cattle meat prices all easing while poultry prices held broadly stable. FAO noted that a Newcastle disease outbreak first detected in Brazil’s Santa Catarina state on October 18 was a contributing factor in regional poultry trade disruption during the month, though it did not significantly move the global poultry price trend.
FAO cautioned that its meat price sub-index for the most recent months relies partly on projected prices, meaning the October reading could still be revised as more complete trade data becomes available in subsequent releases.
Also Read: UPL Launches NeoTackler Bioinsecticide With Aurivis Tech
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
