World food prices in 2017 reached the highest average since 2014, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reported.

“Despite the late-year slide, the FAO Food Price Index averaged 174.6 points in 2017, up 8.2 percent from 2016 and reaching the highest annual average since 2014,” the statement said.

According to the source, it was recorded a sharp drop in sugar prices last year, while dairy and meat price index and meat increased significantly. Cereal and oils price index remained broadly stable.