Hungarian business groups urge removal of food price freeze

Professional organizations and business groups in Hungary are calling for the immediate removal of the food price freeze. The Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK) argues that the regulation is no longer necessary to combat inflation and that delaying its removal increases economic risks and hinders business investment and development.

Industry groups, including the FruitVeB Hungarian Vegetable and Fruit Professional Organization, claim the freeze has created a competitive disadvantage for domestic farmers by accelerating the dominance of imports. Similarly, the National Association of Commerce noted that the measure has negatively impacted the entire food supply chain—including producers, processors, and suppliers—and has distorted market competition.

Experts suggest that the current economic environment, characterized by lower inflation and a stronger forint, makes a transition back to natural market conditions feasible. While the measure was originally a political response to food inflation, critics argue it has forced some retailers into loss-making sales and disproportionately affects small businesses and rural retail networks.