Meat, poultry, and fish prices decreased 3.8% over the year, led by lower prices for chicken. Chicken prices are now at their lowest level since January 2008.
“Chicken prices have fallen during the year, with the price for a kilo of chicken breast averaging $14.62 in December, compared with $16.60 a year ago,” consumer prices manager Matt Haigh said.
Fruit and vegetable prices increased 2.4%, with higher prices for avocados and bananas.
In December food prices fell 0.8%, influenced by lower prices for meat, poultry, and fish; and non-alcoholic beverages. Seasonally adjusted food prices fell 0.5%.
Meat, poultry, and fish prices fell 2.7% in the month, reflecting lower prices for chicken (down 6.2%). Non-alcoholic beverage prices were down 3.4%, influenced by lower prices for energy drinks, soft drinks, and coffee.
"Prices rose for apples, avocados, and bananas in December," Haigh said. “Fruit prices were up 5.1%, although this rise was only 1.5% after adjusting for seasonal effects.”