Food price index snapshot

Published: 12:49PM Friday March 20, 2009 Source: Sunday

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • Food price index snapshot (Source: ONE News)
    Source: ONE News

On Sunday March 22, we ran a story on the rising cost of food.

Here are some tips on how to save money on your shopping bill:

*Be prepared when you go shopping
*Check your pantry to see what you already have and don't spend money on things you don't need.
*Plan your spending so you can avoid impulse buys - make a list and stick to it.
*Prepare your menu for the week around what you already have, and what's on sale.
*Don't do a food shop on an empty stomach.
*Shop around - that extra bit of petrol might save you in the long run.

For more detailed advice on how to save thousands of dollars on your grocery bill check out the  Destitute Gourmet website.

Below is also a rundown of how food prices have risen in the last year.

In February 2009 compared with January 2009:
Food prices rose 0.2%.
Non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 1.7%.
Meat, poultry and fish prices rose 0.8%.
Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices rose 0.5%.
Grocery food prices rose 0.3%.
Fruit and vegetable prices fell 2.6%.

From February 2008 to February 2009:
Food prices increased 8.8%

FOOD PRICE INDEX: January 2009

In January 2009 compared with December 2008:
Food prices rose 0.8%.
Fruit and vegetable prices rose 3.6%.
Non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 2.2%.
Grocery food prices rose 0.4%.
Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices rose 0.4%.
Meat, poultry and fish prices fell 0.6%.

From January 2008 to January 2009:
Food prices increased 9.5%.

FOOD PRICE INDEX: December 2008

In December 2008 compared with November 2008:
Food prices fell 0.2%.
Fruit and vegetable prices fell 3.9%.
Non-alcoholic beverage prices fell 1.0%.
Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices showed no change.
Meat, poultry and fish prices rose 0.7%.
Grocery food prices increased 0.9%.

From December 2007 to December 2008:
Food prices increased 9.1%.

FOOD PRICE INDEX: November 2008

In November 2008 compared with October 2008:
Food prices rose 0.8%.
Grocery food prices rose 1.0%.
Non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 1.8%.
Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food rose 0.6%.
Meat, poultry and fish prices rose 0.3%.
Fruit and vegetables fell 0.3%.

From November 2007 to November 2008:
Food prices increased 10.3%

FOOD PRICE INDEX: October 2008

In October 2008 compared with September 2008:
Food prices fell 0.3%.
Fruit and vegetables fell 6.0%, driven by lower vegetable prices.
Non-alcoholic beverage prices fell 0.4%.
Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food rose 0.3%.
Grocery food prices rose 0.6%.
Meat, poultry and fish prices rose 2.4%.

From October 2007 to October 2008:
Food prices increased 9.9%.

FOOD PRICE INDEX: September 2008

In September 2008 compared with August 2008:
Food prices rose 0.6%.
Meat, poultry and fish prices rose 3.7%, driven by beef (up 6.8%).
Grocery food prices rose 0.5%.
Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food rose 0.4%.
Non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 0.3%.
Fruit and vegetables fell 2.2%, driven by lower vegetable prices.

From September 2007 to September 2008:
Food prices increased 10.8%. This annual price increase is the highest since April 1990.

Source: Statistics New Zealand

What do you make of food prices in New Zealand? Share your thoughts on the messageboard below.

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

Add a Comment:

Post new comment
  • forsterfun said on 2009-03-22 @ 20:35 NZDT: Report abusive post

    Supermarkets have us as you need food to survive I say bring in the competition so we can feed our families healthy food without worring about having enough money. We are a one income family with three kids and have to budget very strictly and still stress when it comes to checkout time.....

  • NicNac said on 2009-03-22 @ 19:40 NZDT: Report abusive post

    Consumers aren't the only ones being ripped off. I worked as a checkout operator for pak n save. They paid me $9.60 an hour! Thats what they pay all of their 16-17 year old employees who havent had previous work experience. Is this even legal?

Sunday Video

Advertising

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.