Food Prices Rise in September

Food Prices Rise in September

Food prices rose 1.0 percent in September 2004, according to latest figures from Statistics New Zealand. The most significant increase in September came from higher fruit and vegetable prices (up 4.6 percent). These were driven by increased prices for fresh vegetables (up 9.1 percent). Fruit and vegetable items that made significant upward contributions included broccoli (up 44.0 percent), lettuce (up 33.7 percent) and tomatoes (up 24.1 percent). The most significant downward contribution came from lower prices for bananas (down 7.9 percent).

Meat, fish and poultry prices increased by 1.7 percent in September. The most significant upward contributions came from higher prices for beef (up 5.4 percent) and lamb (up 7.6 percent). The most significant downward contribution came from lower prices for pork (down 3.6 percent). Grocery food, soft drinks and confectionery prices increased by 0.3 percent in September.

Significant upward contributions came from higher prices for sweets, crisps and nuts (up 1.2 percent); and dairy products (up 0.6 percent). Significant downward contributions came from lower prices for coffee (down 5.5 percent) and soft drinks (down 1.0 percent).

Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices increased by 0.1 percent in September. Restaurant meal prices increased by 0.2 percent while ready-to-eat food prices were unchanged.

Food prices increased by 1.3 percent from September 2003 to September 2004. Upward contributions came from higher prices for fruit and vegetables (up 5.8 percent); restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food (up 2.5 percent); grocery food, soft drinks and confectionery (up 0.2 percent); and meat, fish and poultry (up 0.2 percent).

Brian Pink
Government Statistician
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