Super-El Niño could push up food prices in Germany

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that a developing "Super‑El Niño" has more than an 80 % chance of becoming one of the strongest events on record, with its peak expected in autumn 2026 and possibly lasting into spring 2027. The intensified Pacific warming is expected to trigger droughts, floods and heatwaves worldwide, from Southeast Asia to South America and parts of Africa. While climatologists say direct weather impacts on Europe are uncertain, agronomists warn that delayed sowing of crops such as cotton, soy and maize could reduce global harvests. Reduced supplies of commodities like cocoa, sugar and coffee may raise their market prices, which could be reflected in German supermarkets and contribute to higher consumer food costs. German experts note that any European effect is likely to be indirect, stemming from global commodity‑price movements rather than local weather extremes.