Great Britain Tops Europe's FMCG Inflation Rates

NielsenIQ's Inflation Barometer has released its first edition, tracking FMCG inflation across five Western Europe markets. The research reveals significant differences in inflation rates between countries, with Great Britain recording the highest at +2.3%, well above the European average of +1.1%.

The monthly barometer also tracks department-level inflation, price elasticity, and how shoppers are responding to higher grocery costs. Food and beverage inflation remains widespread, led by non-alcoholic drinks with a 4.4% increase. In contrast, homecare and paper products are in deflation at -1.1% and -0.9%, respectively.

Benjamin Cawthray, client director at NielsenIQ, notes that FMCG inflation has slowed across Western Europe's largest markets. By May 2026, this inflation had slowed to +1.1%, reaching its lowest level of the year as pricing pressures eased across most markets.