Global food commodity prices increased in February 2026, marking the first rise in five months, according to the latest report by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The FAO Food Price Index averaged 125.3 points in February, up 0.9% from January’s 124.2 points, ending a five-month period of declining prices.
The increase was primarily driven by higher international prices of cereals, meat, and vegetable oils, which outweighed declines in dairy and sugar prices. Wheat prices rose around 1.8% during the month due to concerns over adverse weather conditions, including frost risks in parts of Europe and the United States, as well as logistical disruptions in the Black Sea region.
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index recorded one of the largest increases, climbing 3.3% month-on-month to reach its highest level since June 2022. Rising palm and soybean oil prices contributed to the surge, supported by seasonal production slowdowns and strong global demand.
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Meanwhile, the FAO Meat Price Index rose 0.8% in February, largely driven by higher cattle and sheep meat prices amid stronger import demand from major markets such as the United States and China.
In contrast, the Dairy Price Index declined 1.2%, continuing a downward trend due to falling cheese prices in the European Union. Sugar prices also dropped about 4.1%, reflecting expectations of improved global supplies.
Despite the monthly increase, the overall index remained around 1% lower than its level a year earlier and nearly 22% below the peak recorded in March 2022, when global food prices surged following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
FAO said global cereal production remains strong, which could help keep food price pressures relatively contained in the coming months.
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