Annual food price inflation was 6.8 per cent higher in May 2022 compared with May 2021, Stats NZ said today. Food prices increased across the board, led by fruit and vegetables, which increased 10 per cent annually. Higher dairy prices were also a major contributor. "Average prices for grocery food items like yoghurt, milk, and cheese were all notably higher than they were in May 2021," consumer prices manager Katrina Dewbery said. For the 12-month period, grocery food prices increased 7.4 per cent, restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices increased 6.0 per cent, meat, poultry, and fish prices increased ... (full story)