Agri-food, speculative pressure ended in Rome: prices are breathing again

Despite an international scenario still marked by the instability of energy costs and logistics, which has pushed up food prices throughout Europe, the Roman market is registering a return to acceptable, pre-festive prices. This is the focus that emerges from the new report produced by the Observatory of the Centro Agroalimentare Roma (CAR), which in the first weeks of May, confirms a steady and structural decline in wholesale prices. In particular, the data indicate, the price increases that had affected production in Southern Italy now seem to have receded. Products are now at sustainable levels, albeit with a slight gap compared to 2025, testifying to a post-emergency stabilisation phase.

Also contributing to the fall in prices is an atypical climatic situation, with the uncertain weather in recent weeks dampening demand for typically seasonal fresh produce. This phenomenon is evident in the strawberries from Basilicata sector, the price of which is down 12.5% compared to last year - €3.5/kg compared to €4/kg - and in absolute stability as for zucchini and head lettuce - respectively €0.8/kg and €1.3/kg as last year. Only a few products rose slightly, such as asparagus - today at €5.50/kg compared to €5/kg in 2025 - fennel - at €1.80 compared to €1.50 last year - and picadilly tomatoes, today at €2.3/kg (+15% compared to 2025) but with a price that is still far from the emergency peaks of previous months.

"The data," explains CAR Director General, Fabio Massimo Pallottini, confirming that the strong increases of the past weeks were not always justified by real production shortages, but rather by speculative phenomena fuelled by the euphoria of the Easter period and instability. It is precisely at such times that the social and economic value of wholesale markets emerges. We are a transparent barrier against distortions in the supply chain. While great uncertainty persists internationally, our operators guarantee quotations that respond to the real law of supply and demand. Only through our network can consumers be certain that they are not paying the price of unjustified speculation, benefiting from the extraordinary quality of Italian spring production finally available at fair prices.