11 Feb 2011

Food more expensive in January

12:07 pm on 11 February 2011

Figures released by Statistics New Zealand show food prices rose in January after falling in the previous two months.

Prices rose by 1.8% last month, the biggest increase since October last year when prices rose 2.2%.

The usual seasonal increase in vegetable and fruit prices accounted for half of the January increase, while chocolate, yoghurt and chicken also recorded sizable jumps.

Meat, poultry and fish rose 1.7%.

Compared to the same month a year ago prices are 3.8% higher.