Summarised by Centrist
New Stats NZ data shows food prices rose 3.7% in the year to April 2025, driven by increases in dairy and coffee.
It marks the highest annual food inflation since January 2024.
“Price increases were widespread, with all five food groups recording an increase,” said Stats NZ spokesperson Nicola Growden. The grocery food group rose 5.2% and non-alcoholic beverages jumped 6.8%.
Dairy was the biggest contributor. “Milk and cheese prices increased 15.1 percent and 24 percent respectively… while butter prices increased 65.3 percent,” Growden said. “The average price for 500 grams of butter was $7.42… nearly $3 more expensive than this time last year.”
Instant coffee also spiked. “The average cost is now $8.21 per 100g, up 21.3 percent since this time last year,” she said.
Electricity and gas prices were included in the monthly Selected Price Indexes for the first time. Electricity rose 2.3% and gas 1.1% from March.
Airfares climbed sharply in April, with international tickets up nearly 25% and domestic fares up almost 4%, driven by school holidays and Easter travel demand.
