07 Jun 2019 --- World food prices climbed in May, marking an increase for the fifth consecutive month, the FAO Food Price Index shows. They were driven up by an upswing in cheese prices and a jump in meat prices, amid strong import demand from East Asia, where an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) over the last few months has decimated regional production. A sudden surge in maize prices also came about after diminished production forecasts in the US, where planting has been hindered following widespread flooding caused by heavy rainfall.