National average prices for butter, Irish cheddar cheese, and milk all increased in January 2025, according to latest figures by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Prices for a pound of butter were 55c higher at €4.31 last month compared to the same time in January 2024. Irish cheddar per kg saw an increase of 35c to €10.82.

Two litres of full fat milk increased by 18c to €2.36, and the price of a bag of potatoes at 2.5kg also saw an increase of 11c to €3.89.

There were decreases in the price of an 800g loaf of a brown sliced pan by 2c to around €1.86 and an 800g loaf of white sliced pan by 1c to €1.63.

Increases were recorded by the CSO for some beef cuts this January when compared to the same time last year, with roast beef - topside or rib per kg increasing from €12.58 in January 2024 to €12.89 last month.

Sliced or diced beef pieces per kg increased from €10.72 to €10.89 for the same period. Sirloin steak per kg increased from €16.83 to €17.12.

There were also increases for a leg of lamb from €14.25 to €14.47. Meanwhile, cooked ham per kg decreased from €20.32 to €20.29.

In January 2025, the national average price of a pint of stout in licensed premises was €5.82, up 20c in the year, while a pint of lager was €6.27, up 21c compared with January 2024.

Overall, the consumer price index (CPI) rose by 1.9% between January 2024 and January 2025, up from an annual increase of 1.4% in the 12 months to December 2024.

Excluding energy and unprocessed food, the CPI grew by 2.5% in the 12 months to January 2025, according to the CSO.

The CPI for food and non-alcoholic beverages rose due to higher prices across a range of products such as chocolate, mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, vegetables, bread, cereals, milk, cheese, and eggs.