Supermarkets get price blame

A consumer watchdog says there is little doubt New Zealand's supermarket duopoly is behind grocery prices rising faster in New Zealand than most major industrialised countries.

Consumer New Zealand chief executive Sue Chetwin said: "It does confirm that the cosy duopoly does work to keep prices high, and there really isn't as much competition as there should be."

Foodstuffs managing director Tony Carter said the market was "extremely competitive".