“In 2025, the price of bread is expected to continue to rise. This increase is driven by several factors, including the increase in production costs, such as raw materials, and the increase in the minimum wage to 870 euros at the beginning of 2025,” said the president of the ACIP board, Deborah Barbosa.

Added to this are energy and transportation costs, with a direct impact on the final prices of products.

However, ACIP argued that Portugal is one of the countries with the lowest price per kilo of bread in the European Union and with the best quality/price ratio.

This year, bakery and confectionery sales recorded a slight increase, but in terms of quantity, there was a reduction.

Leading sales are still “the classics”, such as traditional bread and pastéis de nata, but there is also a growing demand for products classified as innovative and healthy, namely whole grain breads and plant-based sweets.

Deborah Barbosa said that the Portuguese have been adjusting their purchases, opting for smaller quantities and cheaper products due to the loss of purchasing power. “However, quality remains an important factor,” with many consumers preferring artisanal products.

For this Christmas, ACIP expects sales to maintain the same level as in 2023 or increase slightly.