Germans are known for their love of the potato to the point that the country’s controversial anti-discrimination commissioner, Ferda Ataman, referred to ethnic Germans as “potatoes” as a slur in February of this year. Now, the price of potatoes has soared 73 percent compared to the previous year, which is one of the steepest increases of any food product at the supermarket.
Overall, the price of food has jumped 40 percent compared to last year, and certain products, such as milk and meat, have risen even more, according to the German Federal Statistical office.
According to the data, the prices for fruits and vegetables increased less than animal products. For example, milk jumped 58 percent while vegetables only increased 28 percent. However, the price of grain rose by 41 percent in September compared to the same month last year. The rising cost of energy and feed have been the main factors driving up the prices of animal products.
One of the bright spots has been a fall in fruit prices, which dropped 4.7 percent compared to last year.
Rising inflation has hit German consumers hard. Helmut Schleweis, president of the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV), recently warned that 60 percent of German households, which amounts to 25 million people, are already using their entire monthly income and some savings to keep up with the country’s rising cost of living.
“This means that the loss of prosperity and the consumption of wealth is affecting the middle class,” said Schleweis.
