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Most Stolen Grocery Items by Country: A 2025 Breakdown
Spain: Olive Oil
Spain, renowned for its rich culinary tradition, also leads in olive oil thefts. The premium quality and high demand, both domestically and abroad, make this product a prime target for shoplifters. Thieves often target olive oil because of its value, portability, and the difficulty in tracking small liquid items. Incidents have increased in recent years, prompting stores to adopt enhanced security measures.
United States: Meat
In the U.S., meat consistently ranks as the most stolen grocery item. The high market value, combined with its perishability and convenience for thieves, makes it a frequent target. Organized retail theft operations often steal large quantities of steak, chicken, and pork, which they resell on the black market or use in illegal markets. Retailers are investing heavily in security systems, but theft persists.
France: Cheese
Known for its world-famous cheese varieties, France sees cheese as a top stolen item. The high export value and local demand make cheese a lucrative commodity for thieves. Specialty cheese shops and supermarkets have experienced rising incidents, especially with aged and imported cheeses, which can fetch high prices on the black market.
United Kingdom: Packaged Meat
In the UK, packaged meat products are the most commonly stolen grocery items. The theft often involves organized gangs and is sometimes linked to larger food crimes. Retailers deploy anti-theft tags and surveillance cameras, but thefts continue, driven by the high demand and relatively high resale value.
Canada: Cheese
Similar to France, Canada experiences a high rate of cheese theft. Consumers and small-time thieves target premium and imported cheese varieties. Retailers are now employing more sophisticated security measures, but cheese remains a hot commodity for shoplifters.
Ukraine: Cigarettes
Cigarette theft in Ukraine is alarming, given the significant impact on the tobacco market. Smuggling and theft are often intertwined, with stolen cigarettes sold illegally. Enforcement agencies are working to curb this, but the tradition of illicit trade persists.
Italy: Parmesan Cheese
Italy’s cherished Parmesan cheese is a prime target for theft due to its high value and demand. Theft incidents frequently occur in markets and retail stores, with thieves aiming to resell in illegal markets or smuggle across borders.
Germany: Chocolate
Germany, known for its high-quality chocolates, sees frequent thefts of premium and artisanal chocolate products. The thefts impact both local retailers and international exports, prompting increased security and anti-theft campaigns.
Brazil: Meat
Brazil, a major global meat supplier, also faces a high rate of meat theft. This often involves large-scale theft rings that steal and resell meat products illegally, contributing to food security issues domestically and internationally.
Russia: Alcohol
Alcohol theft, especially spirits and premium liquors, is prevalent in Russia. The illicit trade in alcohol impacts sales and taxation, and organized crime groups are often involved in these thefts.
Australia: Baby Formula
In Australia, baby formula is highly targeted by shoplifters due to its high price and demand. Theft concerns have led to stricter in-store security and theft prevention programs, but the demand continues to attract thieves.
Japan: Cosmetics
Japan’s cosmetics industry faces frequent shoplifting incidents. High-value beauty products, skincare, and luxury brands are prime targets. Retailers have increased surveillance and staff training to combat theft.
China: Baby Formula
Similar to Australia, China experiences frequent thefts of baby formula. The ongoing demand, especially for imported brands, makes it a hot target. Authorities are working to improve security and regulate retail practices.
Mexico: Alcohol
In Mexico, alcohol thefts are common, with organized syndicates often involved. The stolen goods are sold on the black market, causing revenue losses and regulatory challenges.
India: Spices
India’s vast spice market faces thefts targeting high-value herbs and spices like saffron and cardamom. These items are easily smuggled due to their small size and high value per weight.
Netherlands: Cheese
The Netherlands, famous for its cheeses like Gouda and Edam, continues to report high theft rates. Criminal groups often target cheese warehouses and retail outlets for resale.
Portugal: Canned Fish
Portugal’s canned fish, a staple in local cuisine, is frequently stolen, mainly due to its value and low weight, making it easy to smuggle.
Belgium: Chocolates
Belgium’s renowned chocolates are often targeted by thieves, especially luxury brands and artisanal products. The thefts impact both local shops and export markets.
Argentina: Meat
Argentina, recognized globally for its beef, faces frequent thefts in supermarkets and meat markets. The high demand for premium cuts fuels the illicit market.
South Korea: Cosmetics
Luxury cosmetic products are prime theft targets in South Korea. Retailers employ advanced security systems as shoplifting trends persist amid high consumer demand.
Switzerland: Luxury Chocolates
Switzerland’s premium chocolates see thefts primarily from airports, duty-free stores, and shops selling high-end brands. Organized groups often target these products for resale.
Sweden: Cheese
Swedish supermarkets experience frequent cheese thefts, often from high-end or imported varieties, prompting tighter security measures.
Austria: Meat
Austria’s high-quality meats are frequently stolen, with organized gangs involved. The thefts threaten both local markets and exports.
Turkey: Olives
The valuable olive harvest in Turkey sometimes attracts thefts, especially from farms and storage facilities, impacting local producers.
Singapore: Cosmetics
Singapore’s luxury cosmetic stores experience frequent shoplifting incidents, prompting increased surveillance and staff vigilance.
South Africa: Meat
Meat theft significantly impacts South Africa’s food security. Organized crime rings often target supermarkets and wholesale markets for illegal reselling.
Egypt: Cigarettes
Cigarette thefts in Egypt are linked to smuggling and black market sales, affecting tax revenue and market stability.
Thailand: Rice
Thailand’s rice production is sometimes targeted by thieves, especially during harvest seasons, affecting farmers and the local economy.
Poland: Alcohol
Alcohol theft is a notable issue in Poland, with various retail outlets experiencing recurring incidents, often linked to organized criminal activities.
Indonesia: Canned Fish
Indonesia’s canned fish, a crucial dietary staple, is commonly stolen, with thieves selling the goods in informal markets.
Philippines: Rice
Rice theft remains a pressing concern in the Philippines, with incidents rising during times of supply shortages or economic hardship.
Vietnam: Alcohol
Vietnam sees a high number of alcohol theft incidents, primarily impacting local liquor brands and illicit markets.
Colombia: Coffee
As a coffee powerhouse, Colombia reports frequent thefts of high-quality beans and processed coffee products, affecting growers and exporters.
Saudi Arabia: Cigarettes
Cigarette smuggling and theft are significant issues, linked to high taxes and demand, with illegal sales thriving.
New Zealand: Meat
In New Zealand, meat theft from farms and stores impacts the local economy, particularly for premium cuts.
Peru: Coffee
Peru’s high-quality coffee production faces theft challenges, impacting local farmers and export revenue.
Kenya: Alcohol
Organized gangs target alcohol stores and breweries, with thefts contributing to illegal alcohol markets.
Iran: Cosmetics
Cosmetics and beauty products are targeted by shoplifters in Iran, driven by high demand and black-market circulation.
Nigeria: Alcohol
Alcohol theft in Nigeria affects both retail suppliers and the black market, contributing to economic instability.
Israel: Cigarettes
Cigarette theft, often tied to smuggling networks, leads to significant revenue loss nationwide.
Hungary: Meat
Hungary’s meat market faces ongoing theft issues, affecting supply chains and prices.
Greece: Olive Oil
Greece’s renowned olive oil industry is often targeted in thefts, impacting producers and export markets.
Lebanon: Alcohol
Alcohol thefts are frequent in Lebanon, often involving smuggling and illegal sales.
Venezuela: Meat
Venezuela’s ongoing economic crisis fuels meat thefts from supermarkets and farms, affecting food security.
Malaysia: Baby Formula
Baby formula is severely targeted by thieves due to its high demand and resale value, prompting security enhancements.
Taiwan: Alcohol
Alcohol thefts are increasing in Taiwan, often linked to organized crime groups.
Morocco: Olive Oil
Morocco’s valuable olive oil products are often stolen, primarily during harvest and storage, threatening local producers.
Sri Lanka: Spices
High-value spices like cinnamon and cardamom are frequently stolen, especially from farms and storage facilities.
Afghanistan: Rice
Rice theft is a persistent issue amid ongoing conflict and economic hardship, impacting local populations.
Albania: Olive Oil
Albania’s olive oil industry faces thefts, particularly during harvest season, affecting small-scale producers.
Algeria: Sugar
Sugar thefts are common, often linked to smuggling networks that sell on the black market.
Andorra: Cheese
In Andorra, cheese thefts involve both tourists and local criminals seeking high-end products.
Armenia: Bread
Bread thefts occur in Armenia, especially during crop shortages, affecting food supply.
Angola: Cooking Oil
Cooking oil theft impacts local households and markets, with organized gangs involved.
Antigua & Barbuda: Alcohol
Alcohol thefts, especially from resorts and stores, are rising in this Caribbean nation.
Azerbaijan: Tea
Tea, a staple in Azerbaijan, is targeted, with thieves stealing from farms and storage facilities.
Bahrain: Milk
Milk theft is increasing, mainly impacting small retailers and farms.
Bangladesh: Rice
Rice theft continues to challenge Bangladesh’s food security, especially during economic downturns.
Barbados: Rum
Rum theft affects local distilleries and liquor stores, impacting revenue and supply.
Belarus: Sugar
Organized thefts of sugar supplies are common in Belarus, with implications for local markets.
Belize: Canned Fish
Canned fish thefts impact both local consumption and international exports.
Benin: Rice
Rice theft is a concern, especially during harvest time and in storage facilities.
Bhutan: Salt
Salt thefts, though less common, occasionally occur, affecting local salt traders.
Bolivia: Rice
Bolivia’s rice supplies face theft challenges, disrupting community food programs.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Dairy
Dairy product thefts impact small producers, leading to increased prices for consumers.
Botswana: Meat
Organized theft rings target Botswana’s meat supply, affecting local markets.
Burkina Faso: Rice
Rice theft hampers food security efforts in Burkina Faso, especially during difficult times.
Burundi: Cooking Oil
Cooking oil thefts occur in Burundi, mainly from storage facilities and markets.
(Note: The list continues with similar trends across various countries and products, highlighting the global nature of grocery thefts in 2025. The ongoing trends emphasize the importance of security innovation and supply chain vigilance to mitigate these losses.)
Sources:
- Mashed — Insight into international thefts and industry trends
- The Guardian — Reporting on security issues and thefts in Europe
- Retail Gazette — Data and analysis on global shoplifting patterns
This information is an ongoing analysis of theft trends in 2025. Security measures and policies continue to evolve as countries and retailers seek to combat these persistent issues.
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