Food prices rose 1.0 percent in March 2004, according to latest figures from Statistics New Zealand. The most significant increase in March came from higher fruit and vegetable prices (up 3.9 percent). These were driven by increased prices for fresh vegetables (up 7.7 percent). Fruit and vegetable items that made significant upward contributions included potatoes (up 14.6 percent), lettuces (up 33.6 percent), and apples (up 11.6 percent). These price rises were partly offset by a price decrease for tomatoes (down 11.5 percent).Grocery food, soft drinks and confectionery prices rose 0.7 percent in March 2004. Significant upward price movements were recorded for chocolate confectionery (up 5.7 percent), milk (up 3.2 percent) and eggs (up 8.7 percent). These increases were partly offset by a price decrease for coffee (down 9.6 percent).

Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices rose 0.3 percent in March 2004. Prices for ready-to-eat food increased by 0.3 percent and restaurant meal prices increased by 0.2 percent.

Meat, fish and poultry prices recorded an increase of 0.1 percent in March 2004. The most significant upward contribution came from higher prices for frozen chicken (up 6.7 percent) while the most significant downward contribution came from lower prices for fresh chicken (down 3.9 percent).

Food prices rose by 1.5 percent from March 2003 to March 2004. The most significant upward contribution came from higher fruit and vegetable prices (up 6.7 percent). This was followed by grocery food, soft drinks and confectionery prices (up 1.2 percent) and restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices (up 2.0 percent). These increases were partly offset by price decreases for meat, fish and poultry (down 1.9 percent).