The FAO Food Price Index slipped 0.4% to 123.9 points in January 2026, marking a fifth consecutive monthly decline and a fresh low level since August 2024. Sugar prices declined 1%, driven by expectations of increased global sugar supplies in the current season, largely underpinned by a significant production rebound anticipated in India and favourable prospects in Thailand. Also, dairy cost tumbled 5%, the seventh consecutive monthly decline, driven largely by lower world cheese and butter prices. Meat declined 0.4%, the lowest since May 2025, mainly reflecting lower pig meat prices, while quotations for bovine and ovine meats remained broadly stable. In contrast, cereal costs edged up 0.2%, reaching the highest since May 2025. Barley prices increased modestly and rice was up 1.8%, reflecting firmed demand while wheat prices declined 0.4%. Oil prices also jumped 2.1%, amid higher world prices of palm, soy and sunflower oils, which more than offset lower rapeseed oil quotations.