The rising food prices continue to be a constant challenge for Eastern Bay shoppers.
Stats NZ announced today, food prices were 12% higher in February 2023 compared to February 2022.
Grocery food was the largest contributor to this movement, having increased 12% since February 2022.
"Increasing prices for barn or cage-raised eggs, potato chips, and cheddar cheese, were the largest drivers within grocery food." Consumer Prices Manager James Mitchell says.
Figures also show the second-largest contributor to the annual movement was fruit and vegetables. The increases were seen in tomatoes with a 117% increase, and in potatoes with a 48% increase.
When compared to February 2022:
restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices increased by 8.4%.
meat, poultry and fish prices increased by 9.8%.
non-alcoholic beverage prices increased by 9.1%.