New Zealand’s food price index fell 0.8 per cent in December, with lower food prices across most food items, according to Statistics New Zealand.
Vegetable prices fell for the fourth consecutive month, led by cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
“This seasonal movement is expected as we move through summer – December has been the cheapest month for these kinds of vegetable for the past five years,” consumer prices manager Matt Haigh said. “Citrus fruits are also following their seasonal trend, rising 11 percent in December.”
Despite the seasonal decrease, food prices increased by 0.6 percent in the year to December 2016, led by vegetables, milk, and butter. Milk rose 6.1 percent in the year, to $3.32 for two litres, and butter rose 34 percent, to $4.12 for a 500g block.