Fresh summer produce delivers value for Christmas
- Stats NZ records 4.4% annual food price inflation (FPI) in November
- Foodstuffs sees retail prices rise 3.8% YOY for their comparable FPI basket of products
- Summer fruit and veg favourites take a tumble, led by cucumbers, lettuce, capsicum and avocados
- Meat and dairy remain top contributors to price increases, with freight and logistics adding cost pressures
The Foodstuffs grocery co-ops say summer produce is delivering real value at the checkout as New Zealanders plan for Christmas, with strong seasonal availability and sharp prices across many fresh fruit and vegetables.
Stats NZ has reported an annual food price inflation (FPI) rate of 4.4% for November 2025, while Foodstuffs recorded an average year-on-year retail price increase of 3.8% across its comparable FPI basket.
Fruit and vegetables continued to deliver value in November, with several popular summer staples falling sharply.
Among the biggest year-on-year price drops were cucumbers (down 24.1%), lettuce (-20.5%), olive oil (-18.0%), capsicums (-17.1%), avocados (-15.4%), kumara (-13.8%), courgettes (-13.8%) and apples (-12.6%).
Foodstuffs NZ Managing Director Chris Quin says the co-op’s distribution centres and teams are ready for a busy summer season.
“We know lots of families are planning their holiday menus after a full-on year, so our teams are working closely with suppliers and growers to get the best seasonal value into stores,” says Quin.
Brigit Corson, Head of Produce and Butchery for Foodstuffs North Island, says growing conditions are setting up a strong season.
“With the warm spring, we’ve had an excellent supply of cucumbers, lettuce and broccoli, and more summer fruit is arriving every day. Cherries and berries are the taste of summer and in great supply right now.
“Local watermelons are ready earlier than expected and, along with sweetcorn, volumes will build steadily as we head into the summer break.”
Justin Dykhoff, Merchandise Manager – Produce at Foodstuffs South Island, says supply has also been steady in the south.
“We’ve seen strong early crops of stone fruit, including nectarines, plums, peaches, apricots and cherries, thanks to settled weather. There’s great produce on shelf right now.”
While customers are benefiting from good value in summer salads and fruit bowls, prices for meat and dairy remain elevated.
Quin says global demand continues to outpace supply for key proteins, particularly beef.
“We’re expecting to see pork and chicken on more Christmas tables this year, but there’s still plenty of beef and lamb available for those looking to fire up the barbecue.
“New Zealanders are embracing cuts such as brisket for a bit of ‘low and slow’, reflecting some savvy buying to combat the pricing of our favourite steak cuts. It's a perfect cut to try with some extra time over the summer break,” says Quin.
Top year-on-year price increases in November included cabbage (up 59.5%), kiwifruit (+42.2%), lamb leg roasts (+39.9%), beef steak (+29.5%), meat pies (+21.8%), beef mince (+20.8%), butter (+20.4%) and cheese (+20.1%).
Foodstuffs’ supplier costs for goods in its FPI basket rose 4.6% year-on-year, while the Infometrics Grocery Supplier Cost Index (GSCI), which tracks over 60,000 goods stocked in the co-ops’ 500+ stores, was up 2.4%.
Freight and logistics costs remain a contributing factor, particularly in the South Island.
“Cook Strait capacity issues, maintenance closures like those over the Brynderwyns in the north and ongoing roadworks are all adding time and cost to our supply chain,” says Quin.
“We’ve also seen port service charges increase and some shipping lines apply surcharges due to handling and turnaround delays.”
Quin says Foodstuffs’ focus remains on delivering value for customers.
“We know New Zealanders are watching every dollar and looking for ways to stretch the grocery budget so we’re working hard to buy well, run efficiently, and pass on savings wherever we can.”