Spring brings lower vegetable prices

Spring brings lower vegetable prices

11 December 2014

In November 2014, food prices fell 0.5 percent, Statistics New Zealand said today. This follows no change overall in October and a 0.8 percent fall in September.

“Seasonally lower vegetable prices and lower prices for bread, cheese, and chocolate contributed to the latest fall,” prices manager Chris Pike said.

Fruit and vegetable prices fell 3.0 percent. Lower prices for tomatoes, strawberries, and courgettes were partly offset by higher prices for potatoes, apples, nectarines, and carrots. Tomato prices fell to $3.47 per kilo, their lowest November price for 12 years.

Grocery food prices fell 0.3 percent, with lower prices for confectionery, nuts, and snacks (down 1.4 percent), bread (down 3.3 percent), and cheese (down 4.2 percent). These were partly offset by higher prices for sauces and canned meals.

Meat, poultry, and fish prices fell 0.3 percent, with lower prices for fresh fish being countered by higher prices for beef (up 1.9 percent) and processed meats (up 1.0 percent).

Annual change in prices

In the year to November 2014, food prices increased 0.6 percent, following a 0.9 percent increase in the year to October 2014.

Meat, poultry, and fish prices were up 3.0 percent, influenced by higher beef and chicken prices. Beef prices are now at their highest level, reflecting higher export prices.

Fruit and vegetable prices increased 0.7 percent. Higher prices for lettuce, potatoes, apples, and carrots were partly offset by lower prices for tomatoes, kumara, and avocados.

Grocery food prices decreased 0.8 percent, with lower bread and yoghurt prices being the main influence. Supermarkets discounting some own-brand bread contributed to lower bread prices in recent months. Fresh milk prices were up 7.6 percent on a year ago.

Non-alcoholic beverage prices decreased 0.8 percent, with lower prices for soft drinks.

The food price index (FPI) measures the rate of price change of food and food services purchased by households. Statistics NZ visits shops across New Zealand to collect prices for the FPI and check package sizes.

For more information about these statistics: Visit Food Price Index: November 2014

ENDS

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