The FAO (United Nations food agency) Food Price Index climbed 1.9% to 133.3 points in August 2026, extending its increase to a second consecutive month and reaching its highest level since November 2022. All commodity categories recorded gains. Sugar posted the strongest increase, jumping 11.9% to its highest level since June 2025 as concerns grew about the global supply outlook for the 2026/27 season. Dairy prices rose 2.3% on higher milk powder and cheese prices. Cereals advanced 2.2% to their highest level since May 2024, supported by robust demand, weather-related concerns about crops in key producing regions and continued uncertainty over Black Sea export flows. Meat prices increased 1%, reflecting higher poultry, pig and ovine meat prices. Vegetable oil prices edged up 0.6% to their highest level since June 2022, as higher palm and soy oil quotations outweighed declines in sunflower and rapeseed oils.