New Zealand Food Inflation Accelerates

Annual food inflation in New Zealand rose to 4.5% in February of 2026 from 4.2% in the previous month, reflecting the second consecutive monthly acceleration in prices. Costs fell 0.4% in broader grocery groups, with a 7.5% surge for meat, poultry, and fish, while those for fruit and vegetables soared by 9.4%. In turn, prices for soft drinks rose by 6.7%.

Annual food inflation in New Zealand rose to 4.6% in January of 2026 from the eight-month low of 4% in the previous month, reflecting the first acceleration in prices since October. Costs rose 4% in broader grocery groups, with an 8.9% surge for meat, poultry, and fish, while those for white bread soared by 57.9%. In turn, prices for takeaway coffee rose by 6.6%.

Annual food inflation in New Zealand slowed to 4% in December 2025, the lowest since April, from 4.4% in November. The grocery food group, which rose 4.6% year-on-year, contributed most to the overall increase in food prices. Meat, poultry and fish followed, climbing 7.4% annually. Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat foods, as well as fruits and vegetables, each rose 2.4%, while non-alcoholic beverages increased 3.6%.