Mar 12, 2025

Arlington, VA - Today, FMI - The Food Industry Association commented on the February 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers released today, showing a decline in the rate of food price inflation from January 2025 and remaining flat year-over-year. 

FMI Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig stated, “The CPI data on food-at-home prices released today shows a move in the right direction, even as the broader inflation picture remains complex in the longer term. It is important to note that a significant portion of the monthly increase – albeit smaller from January - was due to the ongoing surge in egg prices, driven in large part by the sustained outbreak of avian influenza. That being said, the data offers consumers some hopeful news. Categories like fruits and vegetables, non-alcoholic beverages, and dairy and related products all saw declining prices in February.” 

Harig continued, “However, the uncertainty around tariffs poses a challenge to economic conditions moving forward. It remains to be seen what impact they may have on food prices. The food industry will remain flexible and nimble in order to adapt in real-time to best serve customers.” 

FMI Vice President of Research and Insights Steve Markenson added, “Grocery shoppers have mixed expectations for the year ahead, and FMI data shows that fears of a looming trade war are taking their toll on consumer sentiment. FMI’s March Grocery Shopper Snapshot found that shoppers expressed a mix of optimism, hope, anxiety and worry. However, while 56% of shoppers surveyed said they had positive expectations for 2025 in the first week of January, that number has fallen to just 45% of shoppers at the start of March. On the bright side, shoppers continue to express a sense of resilience and control, as 77% of shoppers say they feel in control of their household expenditures for groceries."