In the year to November 2015 food prices decreased 0.2 per cent, influenced by lower prices for grocery foods, Statistics New Zealand said today.

Grocery food prices decreased 3.2 per cent over the year, led by lower prices for dairy products, breads, and cereal. Grocery food prices are at their lowest level since 2010, having peaked in early 2012.

“Dairy prices were relatively stable in November, but are still driving annual grocery food prices down,” consumer prices manager, Matt Haigh, said. “Sugar prices have also fallen during the year, with a 1.5 kilo bag of white sugar averaging $2.34 in November, compared with $2.61 a year ago, and a peak price of $3.19 in January 2012.”

Fruit and vegetable prices increased 2.3 per cent over the year, led by higher prices for avocados and potatoes. These increases were partly offset by lower prices for apples, tomatoes, and broccoli. Tomato prices averaged $2.84 per kilo in November compared with $3.47 a year ago.

Meat, poultry, and fish prices decreased 0.2 per cent, while restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices increased by 1.9 per cent.

Vegetable price fall in November

In November food prices fell, influenced by seasonally lower prices for vegetables. Seasonally adjusted food prices rose 0.3 per cent.

Meat, poultry, and fish prices rose 1.6 percent, reflecting higher prices for all types of meat, especially chicken (up 4.4 per cent). Non-alcoholic beverage prices were also up, driven by higher prices for energy drinks.

“Prices fell for tomatoes, lettuce, and broccoli in November,” Haigh said. “Vegetable prices were down 8.5 per cent, although the fall was only 1.2 per cent after adjusting for seasonal effects.”