According to a report by Stats NZ, winter vegetables were cheaper in May. Broccoli, potatoes, and cabbages all dropped in price that month. In May, broccoli fell 12 percent, potatoes fell 3.0 percent, and cabbages fell 11 percent.
“The cooler weather brought cheaper winter vegetables,” consumer prices manager Gael Price said.
In the year to May 2019, kumara was 37 percent cheaper. “The average price of kumara was $4.86 per kilo in May, down from $7.77 per kilo a year ago, when prices were unusually high after wet weather led to a shortage,” Ms Price said.
Despite lower prices for winter vegetables, avocados hit a new record high in May. Avocado prices reached $5.73 per 200g, 13 percent higher than a year ago. “Avocado prices fluctuate greatly during the year, with supplies typically available between August and April, and prices typically peaking around May or June,” Ms Price said. Orange prices rose 18 percent in May, reaching a record high of $4.58 per kg, while kiwifruit prices fell 42 percent.
Overall, monthly food prices rose in May 2019, up 0.7 percent, and increased 1.7 percent in the year to May 2019.
Source: scoop.co.nz