New Zealand’s food prices rose 3.5% in the 12 months to March 2025, marking the highest annual increase since January 2024.
The jump also follows a 2.4% annual rise in February.
According to Stats NZ, prices for butter, milk, lamb, beef, chocolate, and coffee surged by double-digit percentages in the past 12 months.
Milk prices rose by 16%, with butter prices surging 64% during the period.
“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,” Stats NZ prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden stated.
Increased export prices contributed to the local prices for meat and dairy.
Poor harvests, disease outbreaks, and adverse weather conditions have driven global cocoa prices higher.
“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.
Monthly prices for fruits and vegetables declined by 0.3% from February and dropped 2.7% year-over-year compared to March 2024, remaining the sole food category with prices below 2024 levels.
Alcohol prices saw a slight monthly increase of 0.2% in March, while tobacco prices experienced a 0.1% decline over the same period.