Food prices have soared in New Zealand, growing by 8.3 per cent in the year to August, the largest spike in 13 years.
Like many nations, inflation is on the charge in New Zealand, with benchmark consumers price index (CPI) inflation at 7.3 per cent when last measured in July.
On Tuesday, Stats NZ released new figures showing a surge in the price of food - particularly fruit and vegetables, which are up 15 per cent.
"Increasing prices for eggs, yoghurt, and cheddar cheese were the largest drivers within grocery food," Stats NZ spokeswoman Katrina Dewbery said.
The items with the biggest price jump among fruit and vegetables were capsicums, potatoes and onions.
Grocery food prices were up 8.7 per cent over the year, meat and fish up 7.6 per cent, and beverages up 4.1 per cent.
The price of eggs is soaring, up 6.7 per cent in August alone.
Inflation - driven by many factors, including the monetary response to COVID-19, global supply-chain issues and Russia's invasion of Ukraine - has sparked a cost of living crisis in New Zealand.
There was better news for Kiwi exporters, who have enjoyed growth worth $NZ2.8 billion ($A2.5 billion) over the last year to record levels.
Stats NZ said the total export value of milk powder, butter and cheese increased by 17 per cent in the year ending July 2022, to $NZ18.8 billion ($A16.8 billion).
"Dairy products had a strong finish to the export season with a continuation of high prices, especially in the second half of the season," Stats NZ spokesman Alasdair Allen said.
Dairy exports are worth $NZ3670 ($A3270) for every single Kiwi, with New Zealand exporting $NZ10 billion ($A8.9 billion) worth of milk powder alone last year.
