Annual food prices rose 6.8 per cent in February 2022 compared with February 2021, Stats NZ said today.This was the largest annual increase since July 2011 when prices increased 7.9 per cent.In February 2022 compared with February 2021:
- fruit and vegetable prices increased by 17 per cent
- grocery food prices increased by 5.4 per cent
- restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices increased by 5.2 per cent
- meat, poultry, and fish prices increased by 7.1 per cent
- non-alcoholic beverage prices increased by 2.3 per cent.
“Fruit and vegetables were the largest contributor to the annual movement, mainly influenced by tomatoes, broccoli, and iceberg lettuce,” food prices lead analyst Angus Crowe said.