Grill season 2024: Cheaper poultry and vegetables, more expensive sausages and fish

Before the upcoming start of the barbecue season, we check the prices of individual products. This year, the barbecue may be cheaper than last year if we put poultry and vegetables on the grill. We will pay more if we choose premium options - veal and fish, and the most if we choose the classic - sausage. The prices of drinks and alcohol necessary for a barbecue have also gone up.

Barbecue season 2024 and inflation

The upcoming May long weekend is usually a start barbecue season. If the weather permits and the forecasts seem optimistic, Poles will light hundreds of thousands of barbecues on May 1. Everyone, of course, grills what they like best or what they can prepare best. However, looking at it from an economist's perspective, we look at the prices of products that we can throw on the grid.

This year, barbecuing may be cheaper for the first time in several years than last year. All this is due to the decline in food prices in Poland and around the world. According to data GUS, in March, inflation dropped significantly again to 2%. y/y. Falling food prices had an impact on reducing inflation, falling by 12% over the last 0,3 months. However, the prices of barbecue products fluctuated much more - from almost 10%. growth to a decline of 5%. This shows that in order to pay less for a barbecue this year than last year, you have to choose specific products.

Change in the price of selected barbecue products over the last year according to the Central Statistical Office:

Source: Central Statistical Office, eToro

Poultry and vegetables will provide savings

To pay less for a barbecue this year than last year, you have to choose poultry, the prices of which have dropped by 8,9% during the year. Vegetarians and people who like to grill vegetables should also be happy, because these products have become 4,8% cheaper. Fans of grilled pork neck should pay the same price as last year, as pork prices have not changed. However, the price of beef increased, specifically by 0,8%. This is how much more expensive burgers can become. Premium grill options will cost more than last year - the prices of fish and seafood have gone up by 0,8%, and veal is 4% more expensive. The most expensive thing was grilled sausages - the prices of cold cuts went up by as much as 4,6%.

Even if we manage to save on meat and vegetables, drinks and alcohol at the May party will be much more expensive than last year. Over the last year, the prices of non-alcoholic drinks have increased by 6,4%, and the prices of fruit juices have gone up by as much as 10,9%. Alcohol prices, including beer, increased by 4,2%.

About the author

Pawel Majtkowski - analyst eToro on the Polish market, which shares its weekly commentary on the latest stock market information. Paweł is a recognized expert on financial markets with extensive experience as an analyst in financial institutions. He is also one of the most cited experts in the field of economy and financial markets in Poland. He graduated from law studies at the University of Warsaw. He is also the author of many publications in the field of investing, personal finance and economy.