A new study compares food and beverage prices across Europe.

The study, by the European Commission, covered 36 European countries, although the UK was not included.

France ranks 11th in the overall league table, which includes price indices for beverages and tobacco, as well as food.

That is 10.5 points higher than the average in the European Union (100), ahead of Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Prices for alcohol and other beverages are below the average in the EU, but France has the 4th highest prices for tobacco.

Switzerland is the most expensive country for food, 2.6 times higher than the least expensive country, Turkey. Norway is the most expensive for non-alcoholic beverages, Iceland for alcoholic beverages and Ireland for tobacco.

Within the EU Denmark is the most expensive country.

When beverages (including alcohol) and tobacco are removed, France remains in 11th place. The price of fruit and vegetables (not shown in table) is particularly expensive in France, 18 points higher than the average in the EU, the 5th highest in the study. The same is true of the price of meat, nearly 26 points higher than the EU average, once again the 5th most expensive in Europe.

In contrast, the price of oils and fats, dairy produce and 'other' foods in France are below the EU average.

Switzerland shows the highest price level for bread and cereals, for meat and for fish. Iceland is the most expensive country for dairy products.