Paltry poultry prices good for consumers

Paltry poultry prices good for consumers

13 October 2016

Food prices fell 0.9 percent in September 2016, influenced by seasonally lower prices for vegetables and cheaper chicken prices, Statistics New Zealand said today.

Chicken prices fell 0.9 percent for the month, and 11 percent over the year to September 2016. Prices have fallen on an annual basis for the last 16 months to reach their lowest level since October 2007. "Chicken prices peaked in December 2014, when the average price of a kilo of chicken breasts was $16.60," consumer prices manager Matt Haigh said. "In September 2016 the average price had fallen to $13.52."

“The generally falling prices for chicken in recent months are the result of expanded investment in farming operations by the New Zealand poultry industry," Poultry Industry Association executive director Michael Brooks said. "With supply decisions being made one to two years ahead, temporary periods of under- or over-supply can occur and affect prices accordingly.”

Chicken consumed in New Zealand is locally produced, so prices can fluctuate in the local market.

Fruit and vegetable prices fell 5.1 percent in September 2016, reflecting seasonally lower prices for tomatoes, capsicum, lettuce, and cucumber. After seasonal adjustment, fruit and vegetable prices rose 0.4 percent.

Overall food prices increased 0.1 percent in the year to September 2016.

For more information about these statistics:
• Visit Food Price Index: September 2016
ends

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