New Zealand food prices surge 3.5% in March 2025, highest in one year; dairy, meat, and chocolate costlier

Annual food prices in New Zealand saw their highest increase in over a year, reaching 3.5% for the 12 months ending in March 2025. This surge, following a 2.4% rise in February, was primarily fuelled by escalating costs of dairy, meat, and certain grocery items. The 3.5% annual food price increase represents the highest rate since January 2024.

Stats NZ (the country's public service department responsible for the collection of statistics related to the economy, population and society) reported double-digit percentage increases for butter, milk, lamb, beef, chocolate, and coffee.

High export prices also influenced domestic meat and dairy prices. Global factors like poor harvests, disease, and weather impacted cocoa prices worldwide, but fruit and vegetable prices decreased by over 2%. Petrol prices, international airfares, and some accommodation charges also softened in March.


Milk prices rose by 16%, while butter experienced a significant 64% jump during the period.

"The average price for a 250g block of chocolate was $5.99 in March 2025, that's $1.60 more expensive than three years ago. The weighted average price of 1kg of beef mince was $19.96 in March 2025, nearly $2 more expensive than this time last year," Stats NZ prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.

A previous report from March 4, 2025, projected that a 250g chocolate bar could reach $10 in six years if pricing trends persisted. A report from February 14, 2025, indicated that about two-thirds of goods in the food basket were more expensive than the previous year, demonstrating widespread price increases.

Butter prices have seen a noticeable increase. This observation aligns with a report from March 19, 2025, noting the significant rise in butter prices.

The New Zealand government is actively addressing the supermarket duopoly, with Cabinet agreeing on the next steps in this initiative as reported on March 28, 2025.