Food Prices Fall in November
Food prices fell by 0.1 percent in November 2004, according to latest figures from Statistics New Zealand. Lower prices
for fruit and vegetables; and grocery food, soft drinks and confectionery were partly offset by higher prices for meat,
fish and poultry; and restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food.
Fruit and vegetable prices fell by 3.1 percent in November 2004 mainly driven by lower prices for fresh vegetables (down
4.7 percent). The most significant downward contributions came from broccoli (down 24.2 percent), strawberries (down
30.9 percent) and lettuce (down 19.3 percent). Partly offsetting these decreases were higher prices for tomatoes (up
26.9 percent) and bananas (up 12.0 percent).
Prices for grocery food, soft drinks and confectionery fell by 0.2 percent in November 2004. The most significant
downward contribution came from frozen or chilled meat pies (down 2.4 percent). Family pack of sweets (up 10.5 percent)
and instant noodles (up 5.3 percent) made the most significant upward contributions.
Meat, fish and poultry prices rose 1.5 percent in November 2004. The most significant upward contributions came from
higher prices for beef (up 3.5 percent) and fresh chicken (up 3.0 percent). Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food
prices increased by 0.3 percent in November 2004. Ready-to-eat food prices increased by 0.3 percent; and prices for
restaurant meals increased by 0.2 percent.
Food prices increased by 0.8 percent from November 2003 to November 2004. Upward contributions came from higher prices
for meat, fish and poultry (up 3.7 percent); restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food (up 2.8 percent); and grocery food,
soft drinks and confectionery (up 0.5 percent). Partly offsetting these increases were lower prices for fruit and
vegetables (down 5.6 percent).
Brian Pink
Government Statistician
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