NIQ Launches 'EU5 FMCG Inflation Barometer'

Consumer intelligence firm NIQ has launched a monthly tracker for the EU's big 5 markets, which it says will help retailers, manufacturers and the media understand how inflation is evolving across grocery markets, and how shoppers are responding.

The Barometer brings advanced analytics to bear on harmonised FMCG retail measurement and consumer panel data, and provides a monthly look at inflation trends, shopper behaviour and price elasticity across France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain.

The first edition reports relatively low inflation across the board, with GB topping the table at 2.3%, and French prices actually falling slightly (-0.4%). The average for the five nations is +1.1%. Headline stats are divided into Food, Beverages and Others, and further detail is available - for example in Great Britain, for the period ending 24th May 2026, Non-Alcoholic Beverages recorded the highest inflation (+4.4%), followed by Confectionery & Snacks (+2.8%) and Frozen Food (+2.7%); while Homecare and Paper Products are in deflation (-1.1% and -0.9% respectively).

The Barometer also tracks department-level inflation, price elasticity, and how shoppers are reacting - including their propensity to buy more on promotion, switch to cheaper products or reduce purchase volumes.

NIQ Client Director Benjamin Cawthray comments: 'By analysing changes in promotional purchasing, retailer and brand choice, private label engagement, category participation and purchase volumes, the Barometer uncovers the key behaviours shaping FMCG growth across EU5 markets. This provides critical context to inflation trends, revealing how consumers are adapting their spending decisions in response to changing market conditions.'

The firm is online at www.niq.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.