WILLEMSTAD – Prepared foods, cooking oils, and basic grocery products were among the biggest contributors to rising food costs in Curaçao during 2025, according to newly released inflation data.
Statistics from the Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek show that while overall inflation slowed on the island, food prices continued climbing across several key categories.
Prepared food products recorded the steepest increase, becoming almost 7 percent more expensive in 2025.
The figures indicate that although inflation in this category has cooled compared to 2024, when increases approached 10 percent, consumers are still paying substantially more for ready-made and processed meals.
Cooking oils and fats also showed a sharp reversal. After a slight decline in 2024, prices surged by more than 3 percent this year.
According to economists, global food commodity markets remain unstable because of ongoing international supply chain pressures and energy costs, factors that continue to affect import-dependent economies like Curaçao.
Grain-based products, dairy, vegetables, potatoes, and fruit all became more expensive as well.
At the same time, some areas showed signs of stabilization. Sugar and chocolate prices rose only marginally in 2025 after strong increases the previous year.
Restaurant and outside consumption costs also slowed considerably, indicating that inflationary pressure in the hospitality sector may be easing.
The latest figures come as many households on Curaçao continue struggling with purchasing power despite broader economic growth driven by tourism and construction.
Several economic studies and regional inflation reports have highlighted that Caribbean islands remain highly exposed to international food and transport costs because most consumer goods are imported.
Although Curaçao’s overall inflation rate declined to 2 percent in 2025, food prices remain one of the main daily concerns for consumers, particularly lower- and middle-income families.