Food prices were down 1.8 percent on year in July, Statistics New Zealand said on Monday, after shedding 0.2 percent in June.
Prices were down for four of the five food subgroups including fruit and vegetables (down 6.6 percent), grocery food (down 1.7 percent), meat, poultry, and fish (down 1.6 percent), and non-alcoholic beverages (down 2.1 percent). Prices for restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food were up 1.4 percent.
"Food prices have fallen for the year, reflecting cheaper vegetables, dairy products, and lamb," prices manager Chris Pike said.
On a monthly basis, prices were up 0.2 percent following the 1.4 percent increase in June.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com