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Most Sought-After Grocery Items in Countries Around the World in 2025
Spain’s Top Stolen Item: Olive Oil
In Spain, known for its rich culinary traditions, olive oil remains the most targeted item by shoplifters. Its high demand both domestically and internationally, combined with valuable branding, makes it a prime target for theft. Criminal activities often involve organized groups stealing large quantities to sell on black markets, impacting local producers and retailers alike.
United States: Meat
Across the United States, meat products lead the theft charts. From premium cuts to processed meats, shoplifters target grocery stores for quick profit. The high retail value, coupled with growing demand for high-quality meat, makes it particularly attractive for thieves. This surge has prompted stores to enhance security measures, including surveillance upgrades and employee training.
France: Cheese
France’s historic reputation as a cheese haven translates into high theft rates of cheese products. Cheeses like Camembert, Roquefort, and Brie are often stolen from supermarkets and specialty cheese shops. Thieves are attracted to the valuable aging process and the cultural cachet associated with French cheeses, fueling organized theft rings.
United Kingdom: Packaged Meat
In the UK, packaged meat products such as sausages and pre-packaged cold cuts account for the most shoplifting incidents. Retailers are battling organized crime groups that target these readily sellable items, often moving stolen goods through closed markets or online platforms. The theft causes significant financial losses and impacts supply chains.
Canada: Cheese
Canadian grocery stores report high incidences of cheese theft, mirroring trends seen in Europe. Gouda, cheddar, and specialty cheeses are popular targets. To combat the issue, many stores are increasing surveillance and adopting targeted anti-theft strategies to protect these valuable items.
Ukraine: Cigarettes
Ukraine faces a persistent challenge with cigarette theft, driven by the high black market value of smuggled tobacco products. Organized crime groups sometimes replace lost inventory with stolen cigarettes, complicating law enforcement efforts and affecting government tax revenues.
Italy: Parmesan Cheese
Italy’s cherished Parmesan cheese is frequently stolen, especially during harvest seasons. The cheese’s premium pricing and cultural significance make it a top target for thieves attempting to resell it at a profit.
Germany: Chocolate
In Germany, chocolate bars and premium chocolate products are stolen in large quantities. Criminal gangs target supermarkets and confectionery stores, fueling a thriving illicit trade that impacts local businesses.
Brazil: Meat
Similar to the United States, Brazil experiences high theft rates of meat products owing to their value and high demand domestically. Organized theft rings often involve smuggling stolen meat across borders.
Russia: Alcohol
Alcohol theft remains rampant in Russia, with counterfeit and stolen bottles frequently found on black markets. This illicit activity not only causes financial harm to retailers but also supports organized crime networks.
Australia: Baby Formula
In Australia, baby formula’s high retail price makes it a prime target for theft. Organized groups often steal large quantities to sell covertly through online marketplaces, raising concerns over infant nutrition security.
Japan: Cosmetics
Japan, a hub of cosmetic innovation, reports frequent thefts of high-end skincare and makeup products. Thieves often target retail outlets in malls, while online resale channels proliferate stolen goods.
China: Baby Formula
Similar to Australia, China’s stolen baby formula becomes an asset for criminals aiming for quick profits. Scale and organized operations make it a significant concern for regulatory agencies.
Mexico: Alcohol
Mexico battles extensive alcohol theft, including popular spirits like tequila and premium whiskeys. Organized gangs smuggle stolen alcohol across regions, fueling illicit markets.
India: Spices
In India, spice thefts have surged, impacting both local markets and export industries. Thieves target storage facilities and retail stores, stealing valuable saffron, cardamom, and turmeric.
Netherlands: Cheese
The Netherlands, renowned for its cheese exports, faces significant theft issues. High-end cheeses like Edam and Gouda often disappear from warehouses and stores, spurred by high demand and lucrative resale opportunities.
Portugal: Canned Fish
Portugal’s canned sardines and other preserved fish are frequently stolen, especially during peak fishing seasons. Organized thefts disrupt supply and cause economic losses.
Belgium: Chocolates
Belgian chocolates, famous worldwide, are prime targets for organized theft. Thieves steal entire pallets from warehouses or retail outlets to sell stolen goods illicitly.
Argentina: Meat
Similar to Brazil, Argentina’s beef industry faces theft challenges, with organized groups smuggling meat to meet domestic and export demand stealthily.
South Korea: Cosmetics
In South Korea, cosmetics are frequently stolen for resale online or in unregulated markets, with high-end brands fetching premium prices on the black market.
Switzerland: Luxury Chocolates
Swiss luxury chocolates like Lindt or Toblerone are often stolen from retail outlets. The high value and brand prestige make them desirable for thieves.
Sweden: Cheese
Sweden sees a rise in cheese theft, notably specialty varieties, prompting retailers to reinforce security protocols around storage areas.
Austria: Meat
In Austria, meat thefts predominantly involve premium cuts of beef and pork, often linked to organized crime groups operating across borders.
Turkey: Olives
Olive thefts in Turkey, a major olive producer, threaten local farmers’ livelihoods and national export revenues.
Singapore: Cosmetics
Singapore faces challenges with the theft and online resale of cosmetics, especially popular brands and luxury items.
South Africa: Meat
Meat theft considerably impacts South Africa’s agricultural sector, with organized syndicates targeting farms and markets.
Egypt: Cigarettes
Egypt continues to see high rates of cigarette theft, often fueled by poverty and rising demand on the black market.
Thailand: Rice
Rice theft in Thailand, one of the world’s largest rice exporters, affects both local supplies and export commitments.
Poland: Alcohol
Polish stores report frequent thefts of vodka and other spirits, driving them to adopt tighter security measures.
(Image: A security camera footage capturing a shoplifter stealing cheese in a European supermarket)
This overview highlights how different countries prioritize certain grocery items for theft, often reflecting cultural preferences, economic value, and organized crime dynamics. Retailers globally are employing advanced security technology and community initiatives to combat these theft trends, but challenges persist as thieves adapt to new security measures.
Sources include retail analysis reports, law enforcement publications, and industry insights from 2025.
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