27 June 2008

Available for immediate use

Consumers face further price increases

New Zealanders face yet another round of price increases, this time on their favourite alcoholic beverages, says Hospitality Association Chief Executive Bruce Robertson. Increases in excise tax on 1 July will trigger manufacturers and retailers moving their prices to cover not only the rise in the tax, but also the increased costs of fuel, transport, labour rates and packaging.

"Margins in hospitality are very tight and hospitality retailers have no choice but to pass increases on to customers. Without price increases businesses will fail, reducing consumer choice and costing jobs." said Mr Robertson.

ENDS

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