Why Food Prices in Malta Keep Rising Despite Lower Inflation
Malta’s rising food prices, despite falling global inflation, highlight significant challenges in the local and international food systems. Key factors include climate change disrupting agriculture, global supply chain issues, and elevated production costs stemming from energy, transport, and labor expenses. Staples like meat, dairy, and fresh produce have seen sharp price increases, while healthier, nutrient-dense foods remain more expensive than processed alternatives, further straining household budgets. Malta’s reliance on imported goods and its vulnerability to climate shocks compound these issues, with relief unlikely in the near future. Shoppers are encouraged to focus on local, seasonal produce and Mediterranean staples to manage costs while maintaining a healthy diet. This trend reflects broader European food challenges and underscores the complexities of sustaining affordable, high-quality dining experiences in Malta.
Why Your Weekly Food Bill in Malta Keeps Rising – Despite Falling Inflation
If you’ve been following headlines, you might have hoped that Malta’s cost-of-living challenges were finally easing. Globally, inflation rates have started to decline, with the UK hitting 3.6% in September—a dip from 3.8% and the first reduction in five months. Economists are predicting rate cuts, and policymakers are keen to declare that we’re “turning a corner.” Yet, when you head to your local supermarket in Malta, the story feels very different. Food and drink prices are climbing higher than ever, leaving many wondering why their weekly grocery bills continue to rise.
Food inflation isn’t just growing—it’s accelerating. In the UK, food and drink inflation reached 4.9% recently, up from 3.3% at the start of 2025, marking a staggering 25% increase in food prices over the past two years. That’s nearly the same hike seen in the 13 years leading up to this. Malta has mirrored this trend, with shoppers noticing sharp price hikes for staples like butter, milk, meat, and fresh produce. The Bank of England highlights that food inflation remains triple its pre-Covid norm of about 1.5%, and Malta’s situation is no less stark. So, what’s really behind these rising costs?
The Meat and Dairy Dilemma
Malta’s supermarkets, much like elsewhere, are seeing skyrocketing prices in the meat aisle. Globally, beef prices have hit record highs due to years of drought and surging feed costs, particularly in the US. Rebuilding cattle herds after such losses will take years, not months. Locally, beef has become a luxury for many households, with other red meats following suit. Butter prices have surged by nearly 19%, and whole milk by more than 15%, making everyday items feel like indulgences.
Chicken, traditionally seen as a more affordable protein, hasn’t escaped these pressures. Internationally, avian flu outbreaks and new welfare regulations have increased production costs, driving up prices. Maltese families, like many across Europe, are switching to poultry as an alternative to pricier red meats, but this growing demand only pushes prices higher. Similarly, fish—a Mediterranean staple—has become more expensive due to rising fuel, import, and labour costs. Even midweek cod fillets, once a budget-friendly option, now feel like a splurge.
Climate Change: The Invisible Driver of Food Prices
One of the biggest factors behind Malta’s rising grocery costs is climate change. Extreme weather events—erratic rainfall, droughts, and heatwaves—are wreaking havoc on food production globally. The UN’s FAO Food Price Index shows that while global commodity prices have dropped by 21% from their all-time high, certain climate-sensitive foods like butter, milk, beef, coffee, and chocolate have surged by over 15% year on year.
Take chocolate, for example. Cocoa harvests in West Africa have been devastated by irregular weather patterns, causing prices to soar. Similarly, wine production in major regions is suffering as heatwaves and droughts shrink yields. Studies warn that up to 70% of wine-growing areas could become unsuitable for traditional grape varieties if global temperatures rise by more than 2°C.
Closer to home, Malta’s agriculture faces similar challenges. Unpredictable weather is impacting local harvests of tomatoes, zucchini, and citrus fruits—staples of Maltese cuisine. Dry soil and heat stress are reducing yields, while higher prices for imported goods exacerbate the issue. With climate shocks increasingly “baked in” to the cost of food production, these trends are unlikely to reverse anytime soon.
The Hidden Costs in Every Maltese Meal
Even without climate disruptions, the cost of producing food has fundamentally shifted. The war in Ukraine caused spikes in energy, fertiliser, and transport costs, and while those have somewhat stabilised, the elevated production costs remain. Local businesses aren’t dropping prices back to pre-2019 levels; instead, they’re adjusting to a new baseline. Rising wages and labour costs—while necessary—also play a role in higher prices for essentials like bread, meat, and fresh produce.
Malta’s reliance on imported goods compounds this issue. With a significant portion of fresh produce arriving from abroad, global agricultural price increases directly impact local supermarket shelves. As the island continues to grapple with higher energy and transport costs, consumers are unlikely to see relief soon.
Supermarkets, Margins, and Malta’s Price War
It’s easy to point fingers at supermarkets, but the reality is more complicated. While some parts of the supply chain have managed to maintain profit margins, supermarkets themselves face rising costs for energy, transport, and wages. In Malta, where competition among major food retailers is fierce, price wars often mean that promotions only go so far. Shoppers feel the squeeze long before any cost reductions trickle down.
Eating Healthy in a Challenging Climate
For those in Malta pursuing a healthy lifestyle, these economic pressures can feel particularly challenging. Healthier foods—fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins—are often pricier than ultra-processed alternatives. Studies show that nutrient-dense foods are more than twice as expensive per calorie as less healthy options, pushing many families to prioritize affordability over nutrition.
Government regulations aimed at improving public health have also contributed to rising costs. For example, restrictions on multi-buy promotions for foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, while beneficial for health, can make shopping bills feel heavier. As Malta continues to combat obesity and promote better eating habits, these regulations will likely remain a factor in food price inflation.
What Does the Future Hold for Malta’s Food Prices?
While global food prices are expected to ease slightly in 2026, Malta’s unique challenges mean relief may be slower to arrive. Lower energy prices and better harvests could help—but only if the island avoids further climate shocks and geopolitical disruptions.
The hard truth is that Malta’s food system, like many around the world, was designed for a time of stable weather, cheap energy, and lightly regulated production. That era is over. In its place, we face a hotter, drier climate, geopolitical uncertainties, and a necessary push for healthier eating habits. Until these underlying issues change, Maltese families will continue to feel the pinch every time they shop for ingredients or dine out at their favourite restaurants.
For now, focusing on local, seasonal produce and embracing Mediterranean staples like legumes, olive oil, and whole grains can help mitigate rising costs while supporting a healthier lifestyle. And when you read that inflation is falling, remember—it’s the price of butter, milk, veg, and chocolate that tells the real story of how far your euro stretches.