Inflation in Germany is showing signs of stabilizing, with a particularly marked slowdown in the food and grocery sector, which continued to have a dampening effect on overall price trends in November 2025. According to final data released by Destatis, the consumer price index increased by 2,3% year-over-year, remaining at the same level as October and slightly down from September. On a monthly basis, prices decreased by 0,2%, reinforcing the idea of a stabilization phase toward the end of the year.
Specifically, food prices rose 1,2% compared to November 2024, a rise significantly lower than the overall inflation average and among the lowest recorded in 2025. Within the food basket, however, very different trends emerge. Sugar, jams, honey, and confectionery prices continued to see significant increases, up 9%, while chocolate jumped 19,4% year-over-year. Prices of meat and meat products also rose (+4,2%), driven in particular by beef and veal, which increased 13,8%.
Edible fats and oils experienced a sharp decline of 14,8%, with butter down 22% and olive oil down 17,4%. Fresh vegetables are also significantly cheaper than a year ago (-4,2%), with potatoes down 13,3%. On a monthly basis, food prices remained stable overall in November, but increases were reported for fruit and vegetables, offset by a further decline in butter prices (-4,6%) and a slight reduction in chocolate prices.
In the broader grocery sector, however, certain categories remain under pressure, such as soft drinks, which recorded a 6,4% increase, with coffee and related products exceeding 21%. Overall, goods prices rose 1,1%, while inflation continues to be driven primarily by services, which rose 3,5%, bringing core inflation to 2,7%. For food retail, the November picture confirms a return to greater shelf price stability, in a context where consumers remain cautious but more inclined to recover volumes in essential categories.
