NIQ barometer shows Great Britain leads EU5 FMCG inflation at 2.3%

NIQ launched an EU5 FMCG Inflation Barometer tracking France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain; May 2026 EU5 inflation slowed to 1.1%.

Great Britain led the group at 2.3% inflation, signaling a widening gap versus continental Europe’s grocery pricing trend. France slipped into deflation at -0.4%; Italy ran at 0.6%, underscoring divergent pricing pressures across major markets.

In Great Britain, non-alcoholic beverages rose 4.4%; confectionery and snacks gained 2.8%; frozen food increased 2.7%.

The barometer flags consumer trade-down and heavier promotion use as key responses shaping FMCG growth across the five markets.