Thursday, 13 October 2016 14:26

Food prices fall on cheaper chicken

Written by 
Chicken prices fell 0.9% for the month, and 11% over the year to September 2016. Chicken prices fell 0.9% for the month, and 11% over the year to September 2016.

Food prices fell 0.9% in September 2016, influenced by seasonally lower prices for vegetables and cheaper chicken prices, Statistics New Zealand says.

Chicken prices fell 0.9% for the month, and 11% over the year to September 2016. Prices have fallen on an annual basis for the last 16 months to reach their lowest level since October 2007.

"Chicken prices peaked in December 2014, when the average price of a kilo of chicken breasts was $16.60," consumer prices manager Matt Haigh says.

"In September 2016 the average price had fallen to $13.52.

“The generally falling prices for chicken in recent months are the result of expanded investment in farming operations by the New Zealand poultry industry," Poultry Industry Association executive director Michael Brooks says. "With supply decisions being made one to two years ahead, temporary periods of under- or over-supply can occur and affect prices accordingly.”

Chicken consumed in New Zealand is locally produced, so prices can fluctuate in the local market.

Fruit and vegetable prices fell 5.1% in September 2016, reflecting seasonally lower prices for tomatoes, capsicum, lettuce, and cucumber. After seasonal adjustment, fruit and vegetable prices rose 0.4%.

Overall food prices increased 0.1% in the year to September 2016.

More like this

Why is butter so expensive in New Zealand? Fonterra explains

Kiwis love their butter, and that's great because New Zealand produces some of the best butter in the world. But when the price of butter goes up, it's tough for some, particularly when many other grocery staples have also gone up and the heat goes on co-operative Fonterra, the country's main butter maker. Here the co-op explains why butter prices are so high right now.

Food prices dip slightly but still high

Food prices in New Zealand were 6.3% higher than a year ago but were cheaper in October 2023 than they were a month earlier, according to figures from Stats NZ.

Featured

HortNZ celebrates 20 Years

More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).

National

India FTA negotiations end

A landmark moment for New Zealand. That's how  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon describes the conclusion of negotiations for an India-New…

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Yes, Minister!

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…

Two-legged pests

OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter