Food prices registered a 12.5 per cent increase in June year-on-year, according to the latest figures from Statistics NZ.

Overall, price rises were observed across all the broad food categories however fruit and vegetable prices rose 22 per cent driven by tomatoes, kumara, and potato sales followed by grocery prices at 12.8 per cent.

“Increasing prices for fresh eggs, six-pack yoghurt, and cheddar cheese were the largest drivers within grocery food,” said James Mitchell, consumer prices manager.

“Prices for fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicums, and lettuce contributed the most to the overall monthly rise.”

Meanwhile, meat, poultry and fish prices grew by 11 per cent, non-alcoholic beverage prices by 9.7 per cent and restaurant and ready-to-eat food prices by 9.2 per cent.

• Further reading: Food price surge highest in three decades