NZ food prices were flat in September, but grocery food rose
Stats NZ’s September release shows unchanged monthly food prices overall, while the grocery food subgroup increased 0.7%.
The latest national figures
Food prices were unchanged overall between August and September 2026 and were 2.4% higher than a year earlier, according to Stats NZ’s release published on 16 October.
The monthly picture varied across categories. Fruit and vegetable prices fell 2.7%, while meat, poultry and fish fell 0.6%. Grocery food rose 0.7%, and non-alcoholic beverages rose 1.5%.[1]
What that means for your shopping list
An unchanged overall index can sit alongside higher prices for particular items. These national category averages do not tell you what your own basket costs or which supermarket is cheapest.
For your next shop, compare the products and quantities you intend to buy. Check the recorded date of each price and confirm any special’s conditions with the retailer.[1]
The period covered
These figures describe September, rather than prices being charged today. The next scheduled release, covering October 2026, is due on 17 November.[1]