Price shock in Vienna: food costs explode by up to 72%!

Price shock in Vienna: food costs explode by up to 72%!

In March 2025, the Vienna Chamber of Labor (AK) recorded a significant increase in prices for cheap food and cleaning products. According to the current price monitor, the purchase value of a basket with 40 grocery and cleaning items has increased to almost 81 euros, compared to 73.27 euros in March 2024. This corresponds to an average inflation of 10 percent year-on-year. The extreme price increases for some specific products are particularly noticeable.

For example, the price of coffee beans has increased by 72 percent, while orange juice has become significantly more expensive at 45 percent and milk chocolate at 33 percent. Tea butter and dessert apples have also increased dramatically in price, by 36 and 19 percent. However, on the other hand, 12 out of 40 products, including potatoes, have become cheaper, showing some price transparency within the product range.

The role of politics

In order to better protect consumers, the AK is calling for the creation of a price transparency database and an independent anti-inflation commission that will carry out regular evaluations and controls of price data. In addition, a price law should serve as a quick intervention tool in the event of extreme price increases. The minister should therefore be able to check whether price increases for essential goods are justified and intervene if necessary.

Market analysis and price transparency

In order to provide information about price transparency, Agrarmarkt Austria has published new data that provides an insight into the purchase prices of food retailers (LEH). This monthly report provides a link between the producer and consumer sides and provides an indication of price changes. Companies with more than 100 branches in Austria are obliged to report their purchase prices for certain products to Agrarmarkt Austria, which is intended to increase transparency in the market.

The Federal Competition Authority has confirmed the so-called “Austrian surcharge” for branded products, which is triggering additional discussions about the conditions of competition and price transparency. The AK is already in contact with the EU Commission to address this issue at a European level.

In view of the rising prices, which are particularly burdening people with low incomes, AK consumer advocate Gabriele Zgubic expresses concern. With the continued high cost of living, the need for effective cost control is becoming increasingly urgent.

For detailed information on price trends and current developments, please refer to the AK price monitor, the Analysis of inflation and the Market information reports from Agrarmarkt Austria.