Food prices rise 1.9% in July year, smallest annual increase since December 2024

Tom RaynelMultimedia Business Reporter·NZ Herald·16 Aug, 2026 11:41 PM4 mins to read‌Kiwi spending lifted 1.3% in July compared to June, while meat prices recorded the largest monthly decline in more than five years.Kiwi spending lifted 1.3% in July compared to June, while meat prices recorded the largest monthly decline in more than five years.Kiwis opened their wallets in July and spent more in the retail sector while food prices increased by the smallest amount since December 2024, according to the latest Stats NZ data.Food prices rose 1.9% annually, following a 2.5% rise in the 12 months to June 2026. Food prices lifted