Brazil sees tomato and potato prices more than double as inflation spikes

Brazil's IPCA-15 index for the first half of 2026 records a dramatic surge in staple food prices. Tomato and potato‑inglesa each more than doubled, registering increases of 103.84% and 103.10% respectively, while carrot rose 100.20%. June’s IPCA‑15 overall was 0.41%, with the food and beverage group up 0.74%, driven largely by these items.

To cushion households from the sharp price hikes, the municipality of Curitiba operates the “Sacolões da Família” program, selling fruits, vegetables and other basics at a fixed price of R$3.99 per kilogram. The scheme aims to protect consumers from spikes such as the 44.69% rise in potato‑inglesa and the 20.62% increase in tomato recorded in May, helping maintain access to affordable, nutritious food.