Business

Portugal Ranks Fourth in EU for Long Working Hours, Study Finds

Published

5 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Portugal ranks fourth in the European Union for the share of professionals regularly working 49 hours or more per week in their main job, according to a recent analysis by Randstad Research. The study, which used data from the final quarter of 2025, found that 9.1% of Portuguese employees habitually worked such long hours, well above the EU average of 6.5%.

Only Greece (12.4%), Cyprus (10%), and France (9.7%) had a higher proportion of workers spending at least 49 hours per week at work. The Randstad report highlighted that Portugal’s rate remains higher than that of major EU economies such as Germany and Spain, where the figures were 5% and 6.3%, respectively.

Although long working hours in Portugal have declined since 2000, the study noted that the country maintains a culture of extended work schedules above the European average. Long hours are particularly prevalent among employers and self-employed professionals, with around 35% of employers and 20% of self-employed individuals regularly exceeding 49 hours per week. Among employees, the figure was significantly lower at approximately 6.8%.

The analysis also pointed to positive developments in the qualifications of Portugal’s workforce. The proportion of working-age adults with higher education has tripled since 1992, rising from 11.4% to 33.7% by the end of 2024. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 36.2% of Portuguese workers had completed higher education, still below the EU average of 39.2%. Portugal ranks eighth lowest among EU member states in this regard. Ireland leads the bloc with 57.3% of workers holding higher education qualifications, while Romania has the lowest share at 22.7%.

Despite improvements, the report highlighted that Portugal still has the highest percentage of low-skilled professionals in the EU at 29.1%, nearly double the European average of 14.7%.

The Randstad analysis also examined the role of foreign labour in Portugal’s workforce. In the EU, foreign citizens comprised around 10.5% of the labour force in the fourth quarter of 2025. In Portugal, the share was lower at 7.9%, although this represents a marked increase from 1.4% in 2000. The report noted that the rise over the past two decades reflects the country’s efforts to attract international talent and the growing importance of immigration for sustaining the labour market.

The study shows a workforce in transition: while Portugal continues to face challenges with long working hours and a high proportion of low-skilled professionals, it has made notable progress in education and attracting foreign talent, signaling potential for future economic growth.

Business

European Cocoa and Chocolate Prices Surge Ahead of Easter

Published

5 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Web Reporter

Cocoa and chocolate prices in Europe have risen sharply ahead of Easter, outpacing overall inflation and highlighting the fragility of global supply chains. According to Eurostat data, consumer prices for cocoa and powdered chocolate increased by 15.3% annually as of December 2025, while chocolate prices rose 15.6% over the same period. These increases place both items among the top five food and non-alcoholic beverage categories with the highest inflation in the European Union, where overall inflation stood at 2.3%.

Experts attribute the surge to disruptions in the cocoa supply chain, particularly due to adverse weather conditions in Africa. Joël Frei, communication officer at the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa, said global cocoa production has become increasingly volatile, with the 2023–2024 cocoa year proving particularly difficult. Revised estimates from the International Cocoa Organization indicate that global output fell from 5.016 million tonnes in 2022–2023 to 4.368 million tonnes in 2023–2024, a 12.9% decline. At the same time, the stocks-to-grindings ratio fell from 34.9% to 26.4%, reflecting a tighter market.

“Shocks on the production side have pushed inventories to historically low levels, leaving markets extremely exposed to further disruptions and driving cocoa prices to record highs,” said Emiliano Magrini, economist at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The impact on consumers has been severe in several countries. Denmark reported the largest annual increase at 30.5%, followed by Lithuania at 30.3%. Austria, Romania, Norway, and Sweden also saw rises above 25%. Among Europe’s largest economies, Germany experienced a 21.4% increase, Italy 20.5%, while France and Spain saw smaller hikes of 14.7% and 12%, respectively. Czechia, Belgium, Serbia, and Portugal recorded relatively minor increases between 1.3% and 3.6%.

The decline in cocoa output was concentrated in the world’s two largest producers. Côte d’Ivoire saw a drop of roughly 20–25%, while Ghana experienced an even sharper decline. Magrini said the reduction was driven by prolonged dry spells and increased disease pressure, including the cocoa swollen shoot virus. Anna Lea Albright, former fellow at the Harvard Center for the Environment, noted that extreme rainfall during flowering and early pod development also contributed to significant yield losses.

Production has recovered modestly in 2024–2025 and is expected to improve further in the 2025–2026 season. Despite this, the market remains structurally thin and vulnerable, with prices sensitive to any additional shocks from weather, disease, or trade disruptions.

As Easter approaches, consumers across Europe are facing higher chocolate costs, reflecting a combination of tight global supply, climate challenges, and logistical vulnerabilities that continue to affect the cocoa industry.

Business

Egg Prices Surge Across Europe as “Eggflation” Outpaces Inflation Ahead of Easter

Published

1 day ago

April 4, 2026

Web Reporter

Egg prices are rising sharply across Europe, increasing far faster than overall inflation and adding pressure on consumers during the Easter season, when demand for eggs typically peaks.

Latest data from Eurostat shows that egg prices in the European Union climbed by 9.3% in December 2025 compared with a year earlier, significantly higher than the bloc’s overall inflation rate of 2.3%. Wholesale trends point to even steeper increases, with prices rising by 18.4% year-on-year, according to figures compiled through the European Commission’s market data systems.

The surge, often referred to as “eggflation,” has been particularly pronounced in certain countries. Spain recorded the highest rise in consumer egg prices at 31.3%, followed by North Macedonia at 26.3% and Portugal at 20.9%. In contrast, overall inflation in those countries remained relatively low, highlighting the scale of the increase in egg costs.

Other countries, including Albania, Latvia, Austria, Slovakia and Montenegro, reported price rises ranging from 13% to 19%. Egg inflation also exceeded 10% in Poland, Lithuania, Iceland, Estonia and Romania. Among the European Union’s largest economies, France recorded the smallest increase at 2.6%, followed by Germany at 3.3%, while Italy saw a rise of 8.4%, close to the EU average.

A small number of countries experienced stable or falling prices. Cyprus and Luxembourg reported slight declines, while Sweden saw no change over the same period.

Wholesale market data suggests that upward pressure on prices has continued into 2026. Spain again recorded the highest increase in egg market prices at 33.7%, while France, the Netherlands and Czechia all saw rises of more than 20%. Germany and Italy also reported notable increases, though at slightly lower levels.

Prices vary widely across the continent. Data from Numbeo shows that a dozen large eggs cost as little as €1.52 in Kosovo and as much as €6.70 in Switzerland in early April 2026. Northern and western European countries tend to have the highest prices, with Denmark, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway and Austria all reporting prices above €4.

Among Europe’s largest economies, France has the highest egg prices at €3.76 per dozen, followed by Italy at €3.65, the United Kingdom at €3.45 and Germany at €3.32. Spain, despite recording the highest inflation, still has relatively lower prices at €2.87.

Industry experts point to strong demand and supply constraints as key drivers behind the surge. Poultry producers say consumers are increasingly turning to eggs and chicken as affordable protein options, while outbreaks of avian influenza continue to disrupt supply chains and raise production costs.

With Easter celebrations under way, the continued rise in egg prices is expected to remain a concern for households and retailers across Europe.

Business

Europe Maintains Global Lead in Chocolate Production Despite Rising Costs

Published

1 day ago

April 4, 2026

Web Reporter

Europe’s chocolate industry continues to operate at high capacity, maintaining its position as the world’s leading region for cocoa processing and chocolate exports, even as rising costs push retail prices higher for consumers.

The continent remains central to the global chocolate supply chain, supported by major manufacturing centres and trade hubs across the European Union. Germany and Belgium continue to dominate the sector, while Poland and the Netherlands are strengthening their roles as key exporters and processors.

A report released in February by the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) estimates the European chocolate market was valued at around $52 billion (€44.86 billion) last year. Research from Mordor Intelligence suggests the market could reach about $52.38 billion (€45.19 billion) in 2026 and grow to roughly $65.78 billion (€56.75 billion) by 2031, driven by demand for premium chocolate and strong seasonal sales such as Easter.

Europe is also the world’s largest importer of raw cocoa beans and semi-finished cocoa products including paste, butter and powder. Major North Sea ports handle much of the global cocoa trade, feeding a vast manufacturing network that produces everything from mass-market chocolate bars to luxury confectionery.

However, consumers across the region are facing higher prices this Easter as supply constraints and increased production expenses push chocolate costs upward.

Germany remains the leading force in Europe’s chocolate sector. According to data from Eurostat, German sales of chocolate and cocoa preparations reached about €9.42 billion in 2025. The country supplies a large share of the European market and exports more than four million tonnes of cocoa-based products each year. Its extensive industrial base allows manufacturers to produce a wide range of goods, including seasonal treats that drive demand during holidays.

Belgium follows as the second major player, though its reputation rests more on premium quality than volume. Eurostat figures show Belgian chocolate exports were valued at about €3.04 billion last year. The country’s pralines and luxury chocolate products have long been associated with high-end confectionery, with many of the world’s most recognised chocolatiers based there. Ports such as Antwerp and Bruges play a key role in importing raw cocoa for this specialised production.

Poland has emerged as one of the fastest-growing exporters in the European market. Now the EU’s third-largest exporter by value, the country recorded chocolate exports worth approximately €2.49 billion in 2025. Modern manufacturing facilities and a strategic location in Central Europe have helped Poland attract multinational brands, even as prices in the sector rise.

The Netherlands completes the group of Europe’s leading players, acting as a vital processing and logistics hub. While its finished chocolate exports were valued at around €1.21 billion, the country’s greater importance lies in cocoa processing. The Port of Amsterdam is one of the world’s main entry points for cocoa beans, and Dutch processors produce large quantities of cocoa butter and powder used by manufacturers across Europe.

As global demand for chocolate continues to expand, Europe’s established producers and trade hubs appear well positioned to maintain their dominance in the international market.

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