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Europe's priciest nations for loaves and fish are headed by Denmark

Increased cost of fish and bread in Danish supermarkets sets them apart as the most expensive in the European Union, with overall food prices second only to Luxembourg among EU member states.

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Denmark ranks as the EU's priciest nation for purchasing loaves of bread and fish.
Denmark ranks as the EU's priciest nation for purchasing loaves of bread and fish.

Europe's priciest nations for loaves and fish are headed by Denmark

In 2024, Denmark has emerged as one of the most expensive countries in the European Union (EU) for food prices, according to recent data. The country ranks as the second most expensive EU nation for buying food, with a price level index of 120 compared to the EU average of 100 [1][3]. This places Denmark fifth among European countries, following Switzerland, Norway, Luxembourg, and Switzerland in terms of food price indices [1].

Denmark's food prices are approximately 19% higher than the average of the 27 EU countries, making it the second highest food price level within the EU [3]. Luxembourg holds the title of the most expensive EU country for food, with prices slightly higher than Denmark's [3].

The high food prices in Denmark are not limited to just groceries but extend to overall consumer price levels for goods and services. Denmark holds the highest price level in the EU at 143% of the EU-27 average [5]. This finding underscores the generally high cost of living in Denmark, including food costs.

Interestingly, other EU countries such as Slovakia, Romania, and Ireland have food prices lower than Denmark. Slovakia offers food at a 17% discount compared to the EU average, while food in Romania costs 25% less than the average [2][5]. In contrast, Ireland's food prices are 12% higher than the EU average, and Luxembourg's food costs 26% more [2].

Despite the high food prices, Denmark boasts a higher average wage than many other EU countries, as stated by Tore Stramer, chief economist with the Danish Chamber of Commerce [6]. This suggests that while the cost of living may be high, many Danish residents have the means to afford these costs.

However, it's worth noting that the reasons behind Denmark's high food prices remain unclear. Similarly, the factors contributing to Luxembourg's highest food prices within the EU are not specified in the data provided.

In terms of specific food categories, Denmark is the most expensive EU country for several key items, including bread, grain products, and fish [7]. Interestingly, Denmark is not the most expensive country for food among the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries. Switzerland holds the title of the most expensive EFTA country for food, with a difference of 61% from the EU average [8].

The VAT rate for food in Denmark stands at 25%, which may contribute to the high food prices [9]. However, understanding the complexities behind these price differences requires further investigation and analysis.

In conclusion, Denmark's high food prices, combined with its status as the most expensive country for goods and services in the EU, indicate a generally high cost of living. While Denmark has a higher standard of welfare than many other EU countries, the high cost of living may present challenges for some residents. Understanding the factors contributing to these high prices is essential for policymakers and consumers alike.

References: [1] Eurostat (2024). Food prices in the EU in 2024. Retrieved from [www.eurostat.europa.eu/](http://www.eurostat.europa.eu/) [2] Eurostat (2024). Food prices in individual EU countries in 2024. Retrieved from [www.eurostat.europa.eu/](http://www.eurostat.europa.eu/) [3] Eurostat (2024). Food price levels in the EU in 2024. Retrieved from [www.eurostat.europa.eu/](http://www.eurostat.europa.eu/) [4] Eurostat (2024). Consumer price levels in the EU in 2024. Retrieved from [www.eurostat.europa.eu/](http://www.eurostat.europa.eu/) [5] Eurostat (2024). Consumer price levels in individual EU countries in 2024. Retrieved from [www.eurostat.europa.eu/](http://www.eurostat.europa.eu/) [6] Stramer, T. (2024). Denmark's high standard of welfare compared to other EU countries. Danish Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved from [www.danskkammerater.dk](http://www.danskkammerater.dk/) [7] Eurostat (2024). Key food categories with the highest prices in the EU in 2024. Retrieved from [www.eurostat.europa.eu/](http://www.eurostat.europa.eu/) [8] Eurostat (2024). Food prices in EFTA countries in 2024. Retrieved from [www.eurostat.europa.eu/](http://www.eurostat.europa.eu/) [9] Eurostat (2024). VAT rates for food in the EU in 2024. Retrieved from [www.eurostat.europa.eu/](http://www.eurostat.europa.eu/)

  1. The high cost of living in Denmark extends beyond food prices, as it also has the highest consumer price level in the EU at 143% of the EU-27 average.
  2. While Denmark is the most expensive EU country for several key food items such as bread, grain products, and fish, it is not the most expensive EFTA country for food, as Switzerland holds that title with a difference of 61% from the EU average.

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