The food and beverage sector, of great importance for inflation, recorded an increase of 1.7% in October, a figure significantly lower than the general index. This situation contributed to the moderation of prices overall. Despite some notable seasonal increases, such as a 76% rise in lemon prices and a 36% increase in pumpkin prices, most products showed stability or even a reduction in values.
Among the most relevant variations, the decrease of 1.6% in the price of wheat flour stands out, along with a 1.4% drop in dry pasta for stew, a 0.2% decline in shoulder cuts, a 0.3% drop in round steak, a 0.2% decrease in sirloin, a 0.3% drop in ground beef, and a 0.7% decline in whole chicken. On the other hand, the price of French bread increased by 2.4%, while the price of rib meat appreciated by 2.9%, exceeding the general index.
Regarding processed meats, increases above the general index were observed, with notable rises of 3.2% in Vienna sausage, 2.5% in cooked ham, 4.1% in dry sausage, and 4.1% in salami. Concerning other products, sunflower oil increased by 5.1%, whole fresh milk by 2.4%, powdered milk decreased by -2.5%, and cream cheese also fell by -0.2%.
Meanwhile, butter showed no variation, while dulce de leche increased by 1.3% and firm yogurt by 3%. Some products that experienced price increases included chicken eggs by 6.7%, delicious apples by 2.6%, and oranges by 3.7%. Additionally, increases were recorded in potatoes by 5.1% and sweet potatoes by 3.7%, while banana prices decreased by -2.7%, onions by -18.9%, lettuce by -15.2%, and round tomatoes by -4%.
Regarding other foods, sugar decreased by -1.5%, but fine salt increased by 5.8%. On the other hand, cola-based soft drinks rose by 4.8% and still water by 4.1%. Finally, ground coffee increased by 3.1% and yerba mate by 0.2%.
