by InTrieste
Consumers in Friuli Venezia Giulia are spending more on groceries while purchasing slightly less, reflecting a broader trend across Italy. According to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) for November, sales volumes of food products declined by 0.5 percent over the past year, while spending increased by 1.3 percent, the consumer advocacy group Movimento Difesa del Cittadino noted.
Among the largest increases were coffee, up 20 percent, and chocolate, up 18 percent. Protein-rich foods also saw significant price rises, with beef and eggs climbing 8 percent, dairy products 6 percent, and fish 4 percent.
The rising cost of living is not limited to groceries. Electricity and gas are among the few expenses showing a decline, while most other costs have increased. Changes under the national budget have contributed to some price adjustments, including higher diesel prices (with a corresponding drop in gasoline) and increased value-added taxes on auto insurance.
Movimento Difesa del Cittadino estimates that the average family could face an additional 500 euros in expenses in 2026. As a result, six out of ten Italians may reduce nonessential spending, particularly on clothing and travel.
A recent survey by Codacons, which analyzed a basket of goods and services in 18 Italian cities, ranked Trieste as the fourth most expensive city, behind Aosta, Milan, and Bolzano. Trieste’s prices were higher than those in Bologna, Venice, Turin, and Rome.
The report highlighted some striking comparisons: Trieste is the most expensive city in Italy for a women’s haircut, at 30 euros, and the second most expensive for groceries, behind only Milan. On average, supermarket shoppers in Trieste pay 32 percent more than those in Catanzaro for the same items.
