Fruit and vegetable prices fell 3%. Lower prices for tomatoes, strawberries, and courgettes were partly offset by higher prices for potatoes, apples, nectarines, and carrots. Tomato prices fell to $3.47 a kilogram, their lowest November price for 12 years.
Grocery food prices fell 0.3%, with confectionery, nuts, and snacks down 1.4%. Bread dropped by 3.3% and cheese was down 4.2%. These were partly offset by higher prices for sauces and canned meals.
Meat, poultry, and fish prices fell 0.3%, with lower prices for fresh fish being countered by higher prices for beef, which was up 1.9%. Processed meats rose by 1%.
In terms of annual trends, the overall grocery bill is increasing with figures showing food prices increased by 0.6% in the year to November 2014, following a 0.9% increase in the year to October 2014.
Meat, poultry, and fish prices were up 3%, influenced by higher beef and chicken prices. Beef prices were at their highest level, reflecting higher export prices.
Fruit and vegetable prices increased 0.7%, with higher prices for lettuce, potatoes, apples, and carrots partly offset by lower prices for tomatoes, kumara and avocados.
Grocery food prices decreased 0.8%, with lower bread and yoghurt prices being the main influence.
Supermarkets discounting some own-brand bread contributed to lower bread prices in recent months. Fresh milk prices were up 7.6% on a year ago.
Non-alcoholic beverage prices decreased 0.8%, with lower prices for soft drinks.
The food price index (FPI) measures the rate of price change of food and food services purchased by households. Statistics NZ visits shops around the country to collect prices for the FPI and check package sizes.
