Food prices in Ireland were the second-most expensive in the eurozone and third-most expensive in the EU last year at 17% above the EU average, according to analysis of Eurostat figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The price of all food types was higher in Ireland than the EU average, except for fish, which was 3% cheaper. Milk, cheese and eggs were 25% higher, oils and fats were 22% more expensive, and cereals were 20% dearer than the average price paid in the EU.

Ireland was also the second-most expensive country in both the eurozone and the EU for alcoholic beverages, with the price of drink in Ireland more than double the EU average last year, only behind Iceland.

For non-alcoholic beverages, Ireland tied with Malta for the most expensive in the eurozone, with prices 37% higher than average.

Tobocco, meanwhile, was more expensive in Ireland than in any of the 36 countries surveyed.

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Due to penal taxation, smokers in Ireland pay 145% for a packet of cigarettes than the EU average.

Overall, Switzerland was the most-expensive country for food at 69% of the EU average, while Turkey was the cheapest at 37% below average.

Prices were collected for almost 500 items the categories of bread & cereals; meat; fish; milk, cheese & eggs; oils & fats; fruits, vegetables & potatoes; non-alcoholic beverages; alcoholic beverages, and tobacco.

The release comes after Kantar revealed on Monday 450 could be added to the annual household grocery bill as a result of inflation.