New Zealand is a victim of its own success - and right now shoppers are paying the price, commentators say.

Imagine, by some clever sleight of hand, dairy monopoly Fonterra artificially inflated the price it pays to farmers.

Consumer prices have jumped further since the most recent official statistics were published in January, the Herald on Sunday finds.

Food is tipped to become up to 10 per cent more expensive than it was a year ago.

Feeling the pinch as you do the supermarket shopping this weekend? You're not alone - Kiwis really do pay more as a proportion of their incomes for everyday items than many overseas.

The grocery industry, lest we forget, is basically trench warfare, Tim Morris insists.

Food prices have fallen for the fifth month in a row - a trend not seen in 42 years.

Food prices are continuing to rise but have steadied after reaching record highs last year. Milk and cheese have become cheaper.