"For next year, we have several factors impacting activity, one of which is the adjustment of labour costs, and a slight increase is expected for 2026," said Deborah Barbosa, speaking to TVI, explaining that, in Portugal, "logistics costs" are the ones that most impact prices.

Regarding next year's increase, "it's difficult to estimate a percentage, because there are many variables (...) but we expect the increase to be slight."

"I don't believe it will be below inflation, but in line with it," said Deborah Barbosa, confirming that it will be around 2%.

The price of bread rose at the beginning of this year, driven by increased production costs and the national minimum wage, according to the ACIP.

However, at the end of last year, the ACIP argued that Portugal is one of the countries with the lowest price per kilogram (kg) of bread in the European Union and with the best quality/price ratio.

In 2024, bakery and confectionery sales registered slight growth, but in terms of quantity, there was a decline.

"Classics" continue to lead sales, such as traditional bread and custard tarts, but there is also a growing demand for products classified as innovative and healthy, namely whole-grain breads and plant-based sweets.