Food prices have registered a 12 per cent increase year-on-year – the highest spike since September 1989.

According to Stats NZ’s latest Food Price Index report, the increase was driven by a rise in prices across all food categories with grocery food leading the movement. 

Consumer prices manager James Mitchell said the increasing prices of barn- or cage-raised eggs, potato chips, and cheddar cheese were the “largest drivers” within the grocery food category. 

Fruits and vegetables were the largest contributors to monthly movement with tomato prices increasing 117 per cent and potatoes increasing 48 per cent. 

With extreme weather conditions expected to impact the market, Jerry Prendergast, the president of United Fresh, has assured consumers the horticulture industry will get through this “tough patch”.

“Torrential rain and high winds have not just destroyed crops but have hampered the whole planting and harvesting cycle. 

“The best thing we can all do to help is to be flexible, try an alternative to your favourite vegetable or fruit while our growers get back in business.”

• Further reading: Rising costs continue to worry New Zealand retailers