New Zealand's food prices rose 4.6% in the year to June 2025, the highest annual increase since late 2023, with fresh produce playing a key role in the surge, according to Stats NZ's latest Selected Price Indexes.
The rise was up from 4.4% in the year to May, with higher prices for fruit and vegetables leading the increase. Prices in the fruit and vegetables group rose 5% in June alone.
"More expensive tomatoes, capsicum, and broccoli drove the increase for fruit and vegetables," Stats NZ said, highlighting the pressure fresh produce is placing on overall food costs.
While other food categories also saw price rises, the fresh produce sector remains a major contributor to headline inflation, especially as New Zealand enters winter, when seasonal availability declines and supply pressures intensify.
Full consumer price index inflation data is expected on Monday, which will give a broader view of inflation trends.
Source: NewsTalkZB
