Price Increases of Essential Fruits in May
Lemons, white seedless grapes, and oranges have been identified as the basic foods that saw significant price increases in May. According to a study conducted by Facua-Consumidores en Acción, the average cost for lemons surged by 7.4% compared to April. In parallel, white grapes and orange mesh saw price rises of 6.7% and 4.2% respectively.
Key Findings from the Price Analysis
The study examined price changes across eight major distribution chains over the duration from April to May 2026. Fruits, vegetables, and other staples such as pasta, eggs, and oils were included in their analysis. Notably, significant monthly increases were particularly prominent in fresh produce.
Lemons: The Most Affected
Lemons recorded the highest price increase this month, with a notable rise of 17.5% at Alcampo, where the kilo price escalated from €2.29 to €2.69.
White Seedless Grapes and Oranges
Following lemons, white seedless grapes also experienced substantial price hikes, increasing by an average of 6.7%. The largest jump was observed at Eroski, where the price escalated from €2.25 to €2.75, marking an increase of 22.2%.
Orange mesh ranked third among the rising products, with an average increase of 4.2%. In the Dia brand, the kilo saw the most drastic rise from €3.79 to €4.79, translating to a staggering 26.4% increase.
Comparative Price Trends of Other Foods
The report did identify other products that also saw price increases, such as laminated mushrooms (up by 4%) and sunflower oil (up by 1.4%). However, some staple food items managed to remain stable or even decrease in price.
Decreases in Selected Foods
Interestingly, not all foods followed the upward trend; several staples like olive oil, wheat flour, and garlic experienced slight declines. Iceberg lettuce, carrots, and eggs showed the steepest price drops, with declines of 8%, 4%, and 3.7% respectively.
Year-over-Year Trends
On a year-over-year basis, lemons have notably risen in price, costing 21% more compared to May 2025. In contrast, orange mesh is reported to be 15.7% less expensive than last year, highlighting varying trends across different products.
Conclusion
The price increases of lemons, grapes, and oranges highlight the ongoing volatility in food pricing, particularly in fresh produce. Consumers should stay informed about these trends, as they can impact shopping habits and budgeting for groceries.