Food prices rose 1.6% in July, compared to June, boosted by higher fruit and vegetable prices.
Fruit and vegetables rose 8.7%. The price of lettuce was up 44.9% and the price of tomatoes rose by 13.9%, which were the main contributors to the increase.
Dairy prices also increased in July with fresh milk up 5.9% and yoghurt up 7%.
However, on an annual basis, Statistics New Zealand says the food price index fell 1% in July, which is the first time in 10 years that there have been three annual consecutive falls.
The food price index makes up 17.4% of the Consumer Price Index.
