Food prices fall in April

Food prices fell for the first time this year in April, as kiwifruit prices slumped in their biggest harvest decline for five years.

Figures published today by Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) show food prices fell 0.6 per cent in April from March, while for the year food prices rose 7.6 per cent, the smallest increase since last July.

Fruit and vegetable prices dropped 2 per cent last month, with kiwifruit down 54.8 per cent as the fruit came into season.

While kiwifruit prices usually declined at this time of year, the fall in April was the largest since May 2004, SNZ said.

Other notable fruit and vegetable movements over the month included carrots down 13.3 per cent, broccoli down 17.2 per cent, and lettuce down 6.7 per cent, while tomatoes rose 26.2 per cent.

Grocery food dropped 0.4 per cent, with margarine down 9.4 per cent, largely due to a large number of specials, with fresh milk down 1.5 per cent, and cheddar cheese down 4.8 per cent.

Prices for the meat, poultry and fish subgroup fell 0.8 per cent, with fresh chicken down 3.4 per cent, fresh fish down 4.3 per cent and cooked chicken down 5.3 per cent, while lamb prices rose 4.5 per cent.

For the year fruit and vegetable prices rose 9.9 per cent, with bananas up 21.8 per cent and oranges up 59.2 per cent, while tomatoes dropped 15.8 per cent.

Grocery food prices were up 6.7 per cent for the year, with bread up 12.8 per cent, yoghurt up 17.3 per cent, and rice up 44.9 per cent, while cheddar cheese dropped 15.7 per cent and butter was down 15.9 per cent.

The meat, poultry and fish subgroup lifted 11.5 per cent over the year, with beef up 12.5 per cent, fresh chicken up 11.9 per cent, and bacon up 19.9 per cent.

The restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food subgroup recorded a 5.2 per cent annual rise, while non-alcoholic beverages lifted 7.5 per cent.

- NZPA