By 1News Reporters
12:31pm

Food prices have increased 3.5% in the 12 months to March, according to Stats NZ figures released today.

The increase follows a 2.4% increase in the 12 months to February 2025.

Grocery food, up 5.1%, and meat, poultry and fish, up 5.3%, contributed the most to the increase in food prices.

However, partially offsetting the increase was lower prices for fruit and vegetables, down 2.7%.

The price increase for grocery food was due to higher milk (up 16%), butter
(up 63.6%), and chocolate prices.

Prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said the average price for a 250g block of chocolate was $5.99 in March 2025.

"That's $1.60 more expensive than three years ago."

The price increase for meat, poultry, and fish was due to higher prices for beef steak, lamb leg and beef mince.

The weighted average price of 1kg of beef mince was $19.96 in March 2025, nearly $2 more expensive than this time last year," Growden said.

On a monthly basis, food prices went up 0.5% in March, following a 0.5% fall
in February.

Higher prices for grocery food (0.9%) and non-alcoholic beverages (1.1%)
drove the increase.

Chocolate and yogurt drove up the grocery food prices while instant coffee
and soft drinks increased non-alcoholic beverages.

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