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.

It's music to the ears of shoppers - competition is forcing the two big supermarket chains to keep a lid on prices.

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

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