Malta recorded one of the highest increases in retail trade for food, drinks and tobacco across the European Union in September 2025, according to fresh data issued by Eurostat.
Figures show that Malta registered a 4.4% annual rise in the retail volume of food, beverages and tobacco when compared with September 2024 – placing it among the top three performers in the EU. Only Cyprus (10.4%) and Spain (4.5%) recorded stronger growth rates.
Across the EU, retail trade volumes in food, drinks and tobacco increased by 0.5% on average, while the euro area saw a slightly higher rise of 1.0%. Out of 25 member states with available data, 15 registered annual growth.
Although food sales decline can be a sign of declining economic conditions, the statistic does not account for inflation and Malta’s food inflation in the EU has been consistently above average this year, indicating that Malta’s statistic is not just about trade volume but also about people spending more for the same amount of food.
Estonia posted the largest drop in sales volume at 4.8%, followed by Romania (-4.5%) and Belgium (-3.4%).
Eurostat’s findings highlight continued variation in consumer trends across Europe, with southern member states – including Malta – showing stronger momentum in food and beverage retail compared to parts of northern and eastern Europe.
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