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  News   Covid-19   Opinion
Tuesday 12 December 2023

Data

Food, liquor up in mixed spending – Worldline
11 Dec 2023  

Food, liquor up in mixed spending – Worldline

Consumer spending patterns were mixed in the first full week of December, with pre-Christmas shopping up for food and liquor, but down across most other retail sectors, says Worldline New Zealand.


Cereal prices down, vege oils up – FAO
11 Dec 2023   /

Cereal prices down, vege oils up – FAO

World food commodity prices were broadly stable in November, with lower international cereal quotations offset by higher prices of vegetable oils, says the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 


Agri stats: cattle numbers down, major crop areas up
6 Dec 2023   /

Agri stats: cattle numbers down, major crop areas up

Cattle numbers fell in the year to June 2023 but the amount of wheat and barley area harvested increased, according to Stats NZ’s latest agricultural production statistics.


Zespri forecasts record returns for Green, RubyRed kiwifruit
4 Dec 2023  

Zespri forecasts record returns for Green, RubyRed kiwifruit

Zespri says it expects record kiwifruit per tray returns for its Green, Organic Green and RubyRed for the 2023-24 season.


Goods exports fall 14% in Sept quarter – Stats NZ
4 Dec 2023   /

Goods exports fall 14% in Sept quarter – Stats NZ

New Zealand exported $15bn worth of goods in the September 2023 quarter, down 14% compared to the same period a year earlier.


Food services, accom jobs up in Oct – Stats NZ
28 Nov 2023   /

Food services, accom jobs up in Oct – Stats NZ

The number of filled jobs in accommodation and food services rose by 5.1% in October 2023, compared to the same month last year, according to Stats NZ.


Black Friday spend down – Worldline
28 Nov 2023   /

Black Friday spend down – Worldline

Black Friday in-store retail sales were again popular in 2023, but spending was down on last year, both on the day and over the seven-day period, according to Worldline New Zealand.


Grocery, liquor sales up in Q3 – Stats NZ
24 Nov 2023   /

Grocery, liquor sales up in Q3 – Stats NZ

Sales volumes as supermarket and grocery stores lifted 1.7% to $6.68bn in the September 2023 quarter compared with the June 2023 quarter, according to Stats NZ’s latest retail trade survey.


Milk powder, butter, cheese lead exports down
21 Nov 2023   /

Milk powder, butter, cheese lead exports down

Milk powder, butter, and cheese led goods exports down $552m or 9.3% to $5.4bn in October 2023 compared to the same month last year, according to Stats NZ’s overseas merchandise trade statistics.


Top NPD of 2023 – Circana
20 Nov 2023   /

Top NPD of 2023 – Circana

The number of NPD launches may be slowing but innovation is working harder for NZ’s top food manufacturers, with value growth on the rise.


Who topped Circana’s annual top 25 FMCG manufacturers list?
15 Nov 2023  

Who topped Circana’s annual top 25 FMCG manufacturers list?

A difficult trading environment leads to changes in the ranks, with alcohol and tobacco specialists losing ground.


F&B supports “consistent” Q3 M&A – PwC
15 Nov 2023   /

F&B supports “consistent” Q3 M&A – PwC

Food and beverage deals help lift overall activity to be “better than expected” for the period.


Foodstuffs’ price rises meet FPI, below supplier increases
15 Nov 2023   /

Foodstuffs’ price rises meet FPI, below supplier increases

Foodstuffs’ price rises have fallen below supplier increases on the same product categories measured in the Food Price Index, after being higher than them for six months.


FPI: Annual, monthly growth slows again
14 Nov 2023   /

FPI: Annual, monthly growth slows again

The increase in annual and monthly food prices continues to slow, with the latter coming in negative for the second month in a row, according to Stats NZ.


GSCI: Supplier price rises fall to 19-month low
13 Nov 2023   /

GSCI: Supplier price rises fall to 19-month low

But costs remain stubbornly high, especially for grocery items like noodles, potato chips, and cooking oils.


Filled hospo, accom jobs up 6% in Sept
30 Oct 2023   /

Filled hospo, accom jobs up 6% in Sept

The number of filled jobs in accommodation and food services rose by 9,075 or 6% in September compared with the same month a year earlier.


More beverages insight coming – Stats NZ
20 Oct 2023   /

More beverages insight coming – Stats NZ

Stats NZ will provide more in-depth monthly inflation data on categories such as alcoholic beverages, fuel and travel.


GMO: Record $18bn grocery spend – but what are the poorest performing categories?
17 Oct 2023   /

GMO: Record $18bn grocery spend – but what are the poorest performing categories?

Inflation means more dollars spent at supermarkets, but some categories are losing out.


CPI: Fuel, food drive short, long-term inflation
17 Oct 2023   /

CPI: Fuel, food drive short, long-term inflation

The Consumer Price Index rose 1.8% in the three months to September 2023, with a surge in petrol prices and the end of reduced fuel taxes contributing to the increase, according to StatsNZ.


Fresh Facts 2023: Hort exports fall, kiwifruit & apples lead value
16 Oct 2023   /

Fresh Facts 2023: Hort exports fall, kiwifruit & apples lead value

New Zealand’s horticulture exports slimmed down to $4.65bn in the year to June 2023, according to a revamped Fresh Facts 2023, although kiwifruit and apples still lead the charge.


Lower vege price rises to soften inflation – Westpac
6 Oct 2023   /

Lower vege price rises to soften inflation – Westpac

Westpac is forecasting the September 2023 quarter’s Consumer Price Index will ease slightly given lower than expected vegetable price rises.


Hospo salaries rise 8% in Q3
5 Oct 2023   /

Hospo salaries rise 8% in Q3

The average salary in hospitality and tourism totalled $61,607 in Q3 2023, up 8% from the same period last year, according to data from Trade Me Jobs.


Red meat exports drop 16% in August as China demand softens
4 Oct 2023   /

Red meat exports drop 16% in August as China demand softens

The value of New Zealand red meat exports in August 2023 fell 16% on the same month last year as demand from China softened, according to the Meat Industry Association.


GMO: Staples in style, fakeaways breakaway
25 Sep 2023   /

GMO: Staples in style, fakeaways breakaway

The flow of dollars through supermarket tills continues to grow, with demand for staples and ‘fakeaways’ increasing.


Ag, forestry, fishing workplace injuries drop – Stats NZ
25 Sep 2023   /

Ag, forestry, fishing workplace injuries drop – Stats NZ

Manufacturing has overtaken agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry as the industry with the highest incidence rate of work-related claims, according to new data from Stats NZ.


Dairy, meat, fish exports grow
20 Sep 2023   /

Dairy, meat, fish exports grow

Goods exports increased $773m to $18.2b in the June 2023 quarter driven by dairy products, meat, and fish, according to Stats NZ’s latest balance of payments data.


FPI: Annual growth slows, but monthly accelerates
13 Sep 2023   /

FPI: Annual growth slows, but monthly accelerates

Fruit and vegetables such as grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and nectarines contributed to a rise in monthly prices in August, after a contraction in July.


GSCI: Is a “new normal” setting in?
11 Sep 2023  

GSCI: Is a “new normal” setting in?

The recent monthly supplier price increase trend – driven by frozen in August – could be the harbinger of a ‘new normal’ when it comes to food pricing, according to Infometrics.


Kiwis planning to spend more only on groceries but not by choice – survey
11 Sep 2023   /

Kiwis planning to spend more only on groceries but not by choice – survey

There is only one area where New Zealanders plan to increase their spending in the short term and that is groceries, according to Tony Alexander’s latest spending plans survey.


Māori authorities exports fall 13% as markets diversify
30 Aug 2023   /

Māori authorities exports fall 13% as markets diversify

Māori authorities exported $760m worth of goods in 2022, a fall of 13% compared with 2021, according to that latest data from Stats NZ.


Hyper-personalisation, more private label – Deloitte on the future of grocery retail
28 Aug 2023  

Hyper-personalisation, more private label – Deloitte on the future of grocery retail

Almost all of the top grocery retail executives canvassed believe private label will be a major and growing source of revenue.


Red meat exports drop 24% in July
28 Aug 2023   /

Red meat exports drop 24% in July

New Zealand red meat exports were $807m in July 2023, down 24% on a record July 2022 that was boosted by a post-Covid catch-up, according to analysis by the Meat Industry Association.


Manufacturing fares worst in insolvencies, F&B best
28 Aug 2023   /

Manufacturing fares worst in insolvencies, F&B best

Insolvencies are up almost 70% compared with the same time last year, with manufacturing, retail trade and construction faring the worst, according to BWA Insolvency.


GMO: New high for supermarket spend – at the expense of hospo?
24 Aug 2023  

GMO: New high for supermarket spend – at the expense of hospo?

Persistent price inflation continues to push up the number of dollars flowing through supermarket tills.


SOPI: 2023 upgraded to new record of $57.4bn
24 Aug 2023   /

SOPI: 2023 upgraded to new record of $57.4bn

New Zealand’s food and fibre export earnings have been upgraded to a new record of $57.4bn.


…as dairy exports slump, infant formula plummets, on weakening China trade
21 Aug 2023  

…as dairy exports slump, infant formula plummets, on weakening China trade

The value of goods exported by New Zealand slumped 14% or $890m in July 2023 with dairy, meat and infant milk formula all heading sharply south, according to Stats NZ.


FPI drops below 10% in July…
11 Aug 2023   /

FPI drops below 10% in July…

Annual food prices are still moving up but monthly growth turns negative for the first time since 2021, with avocados, oranges and tomatoes helping the cause.


GSCI: Annual growth moderates, monthly not so much
7 Aug 2023   /

GSCI: Annual growth moderates, monthly not so much

Bakery saw the largest month-on-month increase in costs in July, which saw a spike in monthly price hikes by suppliers as input pressures persist.


Wage cost inflation steady, unemployment ticks up
2 Aug 2023  

Wage cost inflation steady, unemployment ticks up

Wage cost inflation, as measured by the labour cost index (LCI), remained at 4.3% in the year to the June 2023 quarter, according to Stats NZ.


Household living costs up 7.2% – food, interest rates to blame
27 Jul 2023  

Household living costs up 7.2% – food, interest rates to blame

The cost of living for the average household increased by 7.2% in the 12 months to June 2023, according to Stats NZ.


Milk powder, butter, cheese exports up 11% in June
25 Jul 2023  

Milk powder, butter, cheese exports up 11% in June

Exports of milk powder, butter and cheese rose to $1.77bn in June 2023, up 11% compared to the same month in 2022.


GMO: Kiwis go back to basics in swing to rice, pasta
24 Jul 2023   /

GMO: Kiwis go back to basics in swing to rice, pasta

Inflation remains a key driver of value growth with supermarket spend jumping nearly 15% in two years.


CPI: Food major driver as inflation remains high
19 Jul 2023   /

CPI: Food major driver as inflation remains high

Food was the largest contributor to the June 2023 annual inflation rate, which has come down from the eye-watering rates of last year, but is still high.


FPI: Back to a cycle high of 12.5% with cheese, eggs among biggest drivers
13 Jul 2023   /

FPI: Back to a cycle high of 12.5% with cheese, eggs among biggest drivers

Annual food prices inflation is climbing again, rising to 12.5% in June 2023 after a month of floating closer to 12%.


Foodstuffs price rises ahead of FPI supplier increases for third month running
13 Jul 2023   /

Foodstuffs price rises ahead of FPI supplier increases for third month running

Foodstuffs’ price increases were ahead of supplier increases on the same product categories measured in the Food Price Index in June for the third month running.


GSCI: Supplier cost growth slows to 8.3%
10 Jul 2023   /

GSCI: Supplier cost growth slows to 8.3%

Bakery costs rose the most month-on-month, with larger rises than previously reported in chilled foods and grocery too, according to Infometrics.


Cheese export values stretch to $3bn
3 Jul 2023   /

Cheese export values stretch to $3bn

Cheese exports rose $763m or 35% in the 12 months to May 2023, compared with the previous year reaching $3bn, according to Stats NZ.


GMO: Spend climbs to $17.6bn
28 Jun 2023  

GMO: Spend climbs to $17.6bn

Inflation continues to push up the number of dollars flowing through supermarket tills, with confectionery and yoghurt and dairy desserts in a sweet spot for unit growth.


…with food price drivers possibly peaking – Foodstuffs’ Quin
15 Jun 2023   /

…with food price drivers possibly peaking – Foodstuffs’ Quin

The main drivers of food price inflation may have peaked, according to Foodstuffs North Island boss Chris Quin.


FPI: Food price inflation still sky-high
14 Jun 2023  

FPI: Food price inflation still sky-high

Food price inflation remains above 12% in May, although dips away from April’s high of 12.5%.


Hospo spending tops $1bn in May – Stats NZ
13 Jun 2023   /

Hospo spending tops $1bn in May – Stats NZ

Card spending in the hospitality industry rose to $1.18bn in May 2023, up 7.6% compared with the same month last year, according to Stats NZ.


Filled hospo jobs up 12%
30 May 2023   /

Filled hospo jobs up 12%

The number of filled jobs in accommodation and food services rose by 17,138 in April 2023, up 12.2% on the same month last year.


Q1 retail activity down, F&B sales up – Stats NZ
24 May 2023   /

Q1 retail activity down, F&B sales up – Stats NZ

The total volume of actual retail sales fell 4.1% in the March 2023 quarter, compared with the March 2022 quarter, according to Stats NZ today.


Fewer livestock, lots of kiwifruit – agri census
23 May 2023   /

Fewer livestock, lots of kiwifruit – agri census

There are fewer dairy cattle, sheep, and deer in New Zealand’s paddocks, according to the final results of the five-yearly Agricultural Production Census 2022 from Stats NZ.


Strong southern harvests, but weather woes up north – Fed Farmers
16 May 2023  

Strong southern harvests, but weather woes up north – Fed Farmers

Federated Farmers has reported a 7% increase in the average yield across six milling/malting and feed cereal crops last season, despite challenging weather conditions.


FPI: New food price high in April
11 May 2023   /

FPI: New food price high in April

Rising grocery prices, especially for potato chips, eggs, and yoghurt six-packs, continue to fuel annual food price inflation.


Infometrics: Early signs of input costs easing, but April GSCI stubbornly high
8 May 2023  

Infometrics: Early signs of input costs easing, but April GSCI stubbornly high

“There are some signs emerging of less intense cost increases filtering through the system,” Infometrics’ Brad Olsen says, as April GSCI comes in at 10%.


Food bank demand up 165% – NZFN
8 May 2023  

Food bank demand up 165% – NZFN

There has been a 165% increase in the number of people receiving food support since Covid-19 hit, according to a survey by the New Zealand Food Network.


GMO: Easter bump for supermarket aisles in April
4 May 2023   /

GMO: Easter bump for supermarket aisles in April

Easter temporarily reversed the inflationary trend of more dollars being spent buying fewer items, as unit sales flipped into growth, albeit at a subdued level.


Unemployment stable, wage inflation up
3 May 2023  

Unemployment stable, wage inflation up

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.4% in the March 2023 quarter, unchanged from last quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ.


Food prices up 12% for average household – Stats NZ
2 May 2023  

Food prices up 12% for average household – Stats NZ

Food and housing costs were the main drivers of inflation for all household groups, according to Stats NZ.


Food services, accom jobs rise 13%
1 May 2023   /

Food services, accom jobs rise 13%

The number of filled jobs in the accommodation and food services sector reached 18,101 in March 2023, up 12.9% on the same month last year, according to Stats NZ.


March exports stable as prepped products jump 91%
27 Apr 2023   /

March exports stable as prepped products jump 91%

Goods exports rose $40m or 0.6% to $6.5bn in March, compared with the same month last year, led by a big jump in preparations of cereals, flour, starch, and milk including infant formula.


CPI: Food prices fuel inflation but peak may have passed
20 Apr 2023   /

CPI: Food prices fuel inflation but peak may have passed

Rising food prices are the biggest contributor to the 1.2% quarterly rise, with grocery and fruit and vegetables the main category culprits.


FPI: Grocery pushes food prices up over 12% in March
17 Apr 2023   /

FPI: Grocery pushes food prices up over 12% in March

Annual food price inflation hits a new high for the cycle, fuelled by grocery food items such as crisps, eggs and yoghurt six-packs.


GSCI: March supplier costs stay in double digits for Foodstuffs
17 Apr 2023   /

GSCI: March supplier costs stay in double digits for Foodstuffs

Cost increases from suppliers to Foodstuffs supermarkets continued to be elevated in March 2023, marking the sixth straight month of double-digit results.


Grocery, liquor card spend down in March
13 Apr 2023   /

Grocery, liquor card spend down in March

Retail card spending rose 0.7% in the March 2023 month compared with February 2023, when adjusted for seasonal effects, according to Stats NZ.


Mind the gap: F&B in first 100 large companies to report gender pay gaps
5 Apr 2023   /

Mind the gap: F&B in first 100 large companies to report gender pay gaps

Fonterra, Frucor, and Woolworths NZ are amongst the food companies committed to increasing transparency around pay gaps.


Grocery market overview: Sweet spot for confectionery in Q1
5 Apr 2023   /

Grocery market overview: Sweet spot for confectionery in Q1

Cash-strapped consumers sought affordable indulgence from confectionery, which posted double-digit value and unit growth.


Overall GHG emissions fall, primary industries static
5 Apr 2023   /

Overall GHG emissions fall, primary industries static

Seasonally adjusted greenhouse gas emissions fell by 696 kilotonnes in the September 2022 quarter, which equated to a 3.5% reduction compared to the same period a year earlier.


Red meat export rout in Feb, with UK value sinking
4 Apr 2023   /

Red meat export rout in Feb, with UK value sinking

A deterioration in global economic conditions saw New Zealand’s red meat exports drop by almost a fifth in February, with volumes to the UK sinking to a 35-year low.


Reduced food output contributes to GDP drop – Stats NZ
16 Mar 2023  

Reduced food output contributes to GDP drop – Stats NZ

Gross domestic product (GDP) fell 0.6% in the December 2022 quarter, following a 1.7% rise in the September 2022 quarter, according to quarterly figures released by Stats NZ.


FPI jumps to highest level since September 1989…
13 Mar 2023   /

FPI jumps to highest level since September 1989…

The impact of extreme weather on the fresh category starts to show, with the price of tomatoes jumping 117%.


…while supplier costs also increase in latest Infometrics-Foodstuffs GSCI
13 Mar 2023   /

…while supplier costs also increase in latest Infometrics-Foodstuffs GSCI

“Domestic inflation pressures have not eased substantially yet, and weather-related disruptions will only reinforce some of the pressures already in the system,” says Infometrics as supplier costs rise again in February.


Value down, volume up – January meat export prices slide
9 Mar 2023  

Value down, volume up – January meat export prices slide

The first month of the year saw New Zealand red meat exports value drop 7% compared with January last year, even as the total volumes of red meat exports to all countries increased.


Retail card spending flat in Feb
9 Mar 2023   /

Retail card spending flat in Feb

Retail card spending remained flat at $6.6bn in February 2023 – the same as January 2023, when adjusted for seasonal effects – according to Stats NZ.


Cyclone Gabrielle shifts Feb consumer spend – Worldline
8 Mar 2023   /

Cyclone Gabrielle shifts Feb consumer spend – Worldline

February’s extreme weather events had a major influence on consumer spending in affected regions across the month, according to figures released today by Worldline NZ.


IRI: Cyclone shopping sees February sales jump
6 Mar 2023   /

IRI: Cyclone shopping sees February sales jump

Consumers shopping for cyclone emergency supplies pushed batteries, water, and shelf-stable fruit into the fastest-growing value categories.


Dairy leads Q4 exports up
6 Mar 2023   /

Dairy leads Q4 exports up

Goods and services exports for the December 2022 quarter totalled $24.7bn, up from $20.5bn in the December 2021 quarter, according to Stats NZ’s quarterly international trade statistics.


Hospo sales increase 14% in Q4 2022
28 Feb 2023  

Hospo sales increase 14% in Q4 2022

Retail sales in food and beverage services reached $2.79bn in the December 2022 quarter, a 13.9% increase for the same quarter in 2021 and 2.42% above pre-Covid 2019, according to Stats NZ.


Alcohol availability: Spirits overtake wine, beer trends bear out
27 Feb 2023   /

Alcohol availability: Spirits overtake wine, beer trends bear out

New data from StatsNZ show the rise and rise in the availability of spirits, and which beer ABVs are being pushed the most.


IRI: Wet holidays put dampener on January sales
23 Feb 2023   /

IRI: Wet holidays put dampener on January sales

Eggs took the fastest top 20 category growth spot, driven by price rises of 27%.


Milk powder, butter, and cheese Jan exports jump 25%
22 Feb 2023   /

Milk powder, butter, and cheese Jan exports jump 25%

New Zealand’s goods exports rose to $5.5bn in January 2023, up 14% compared to the same month last year, according to Stats NZ.


Pre-cyclone grocery sales jump 20%
17 Feb 2023   /

Pre-cyclone grocery sales jump 20%

Consumers raced to supermarket aisles last week to stock up on emergency essentials – and some non essentials – ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle, according to data from IRI.


No-alc beats low-alc as overall category hits US$11bn – study
16 Feb 2023   /

No-alc beats low-alc as overall category hits US$11bn – study

0% products are expected to spearhead future growth, accounting for over 90% of the forecast total category volume growth, according to IWSR.


FPI: January price rise falls back to 10.3%
14 Feb 2023   /

FPI: January price rise falls back to 10.3%

The first Food Price Index of 2023 is in, showing a slight cool-down from the record heights of last year albeit that double-digit inflation is continuing.


GSCI: January supplier prices ease slightly to 10%
13 Feb 2023  

GSCI: January supplier prices ease slightly to 10%

“Although it seems like there is potential for supplier cost increases to have plateaued, we’re not certain about the change in trend yet,” Brad Olsen says.


FAO: Global food prices continue to slide
8 Feb 2023   /

FAO: Global food prices continue to slide

Global food prices dropped for the tenth consecutive month in January, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).


NZ seed exports fall 9% to $221m
7 Feb 2023   /

NZ seed exports fall 9% to $221m

The total value of New Zealand seed exports for the calendar year 2022 totalled $221m, down 9% on the previous year, according to data issued by Stats NZ this week.


Damp start to the year for consumer spending – Worldline
3 Feb 2023   /

Damp start to the year for consumer spending – Worldline

The stormy weather that occurred across the North Island led to a drop in consumer spending in several regions but a weakening pattern suggests wider economic factors are also at play, according to Worldline New Zealand.


Beer sales hit $3.3bn in 2022
2 Feb 2023   /

Beer sales hit $3.3bn in 2022

The New Zealand brewing industry turned in sales of $3.3bn in the year to September 2022, up by $500,000 on the year prior, according to research from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.


Food contributes to increasing living costs – Stats NZ
2 Feb 2023  

Food contributes to increasing living costs – Stats NZ

The cost of living for the average household, as measured by the household living-costs price indexes (HLPIs), increased by 8.2% in the 12 months to December 2022, according to Stats NZ.


Unemployment rate at 3.4% in Q4
1 Feb 2023   /

Unemployment rate at 3.4% in Q4

The unemployment rate rose ever slightly to 3.4% in the December quarter, according to the latest figures from Stats NZ.


Price rises push food exports to $72bn in 2022 as volumes fall
31 Jan 2023  

Price rises push food exports to $72bn in 2022 as volumes fall

Dairy and meat led value growth in 2022 and apple exports also grew, despite overall fruit falling.


IRI: 2022 department and category winners & losers
26 Jan 2023  

IRI: 2022 department and category winners & losers

Dairy, confectionery and pet were some of the winners in the insight firm’s NZ grocery rankings, while the cycling of 2021’s lockdowns saw beverages suffer.


IRI: December dollar sales up 10.2%
26 Jan 2023   /

IRI: December dollar sales up 10.2%

The closing weeks of 2022 saw some eyewatering numbers coming from food, with the amount spent on groceries in December up 10.2% on a year earlier and a huge 17.1% up on 2020.


CPI: Inflation holds at 7.2%
25 Jan 2023   /

CPI: Inflation holds at 7.2%

The Consumer Price Index was steady in the December 2022 quarter at 7.2%, with housing and household utilities the largest contributors. 


FPI: Price rises accelerate to 11.3% in December
19 Jan 2023   /

FPI: Price rises accelerate to 11.3% in December

Cheese, eggs and potato chips were behind the 32-year record annual food price increase in December, according to Stats NZ.


December card spend down, consumables sole category in growth
18 Jan 2023   /

December card spend down, consumables sole category in growth

Retail card spending fell $166m or 2.5% in December 2022 compared with November 2022, when adjusted for seasonal effects, according to Stats NZ said today.


Business confidence tanks, retail downbeat – NZIER
18 Jan 2023   /

Business confidence tanks, retail downbeat – NZIER

There has been a sharp deterioration in business sentiment and activity, according to the latest NZIER Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion.


Hospitality salaries jump as demand for staff remains high
17 Jan 2023   /

Hospitality salaries jump as demand for staff remains high

Salaries in the hospitality and tourism sector have risen 9% year-on-year, according to new data from Trade Me Jobs.


GSCI: December supplier prices up 10.6%
16 Jan 2023   /

GSCI: December supplier prices up 10.6%

The impact of the summer cost change moratorium on the December index means it is not yet clear if cost pressures will ease in 2023, according to Infometrics.


GDP up 2% in Q3 supported by dairy, meat
16 Dec 2022  

GDP up 2% in Q3 supported by dairy, meat

Gross domestic product rose by 2% in the September 2022 quarter compared with Q2, according to Stats NZ, and it was accompanied by a revision upwards for the June 2022 quarter from 1.7% to 1.9%.


Who is heading to on-premise for the festive season?
16 Dec 2022   /

Who is heading to on-premise for the festive season?

Some 69% of New Zealand consumers are planning on visiting a hospitality venue in December, according to the latest consumer research from CGA by NielsenIQ.


Food, liquor store spending up – Worldline
14 Dec 2022   /

Food, liquor store spending up – Worldline

Consumer spending through core retail merchants in Worldline New Zealand’s payments network, excluding hospitality, reached nearly $814m in the week ending Saturday 10 December 2022.


FPI: Annual food price rises swell to 10.7%
13 Dec 2022  

FPI: Annual food price rises swell to 10.7%

Increasing prices for cheddar cheese, yoghurt, and standard two-litre milk were the largest drivers within grocery food, says Stats NZ.


Grocery spend going up by necessity – survey
13 Dec 2022   /

Grocery spend going up by necessity – survey

Consumers are planning to spend less across the board apart from on groceries, according to the latest research from economist Tony Alexander.


GSCI: ‘Pervasive cost pressures’ push prices up 10.2%
12 Dec 2022  

GSCI: ‘Pervasive cost pressures’ push prices up 10.2%

“Recent acceleration in the costs of less volatile items like general grocery goods reinforces pervasive cost pressures,” according to Infometrics’ Brad Olsen.


Hospo, consumables spend up…
9 Dec 2022   /

Hospo, consumables spend up…

Spending on hospitality had the largest increase, up $368m or 43.6%, compared with November last year.


Hospitality beats pre-pandemic to hit $13bn annual sales

Hospitality beats pre-pandemic to hit $13bn annual sales

The sector has out-preformed its pre-pandemic numbers, according to the Restaurant Association.


Dairy leads Q3 exports increase
5 Dec 2022   /

Dairy leads Q3 exports increase

Total exports of goods and services for the September 2022 quarter increased to $22.2bn, up from $17.7bn in the September 2021 quarter, according to Stats NZ.


CGA: On-premise visitation frequency rises
5 Dec 2022   /

CGA: On-premise visitation frequency rises

Visits to the on premise channel were stable in November, but the frequency of visitation was increasing according to CGA’s latest Consumer Pulse report powered by NielsenIQ.


Value of red meat exports rises, with new Italy market jumping
1 Dec 2022   /

Value of red meat exports rises, with new Italy market jumping

Red meat exports for October 2022 were worth $737m, a 6% increase on the same month last year, according to the Meat Industry Association.


Black Friday retail spend down on last year – Worldline
29 Nov 2022   /

Black Friday retail spend down on last year – Worldline

Black Friday spending was down on last year, offering a cautionary note ahead of the expected busier Christmas shopping period to come, according to payments service company Worldline.


Retail sales lift in September quarter
29 Nov 2022  

Retail sales lift in September quarter

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IRI: Inflation drives growth in November
24 Nov 2022   /

IRI: Inflation drives growth in November

The latest four-week period in IRI’s November Grocery Monthly Overview gives yet another angle on the effects of rampant inflation on food prices.


Dairy price rises bolster October export values – Stats NZ
23 Nov 2022   /

Dairy price rises bolster October export values – Stats NZ

Price increases for dairy has helped boost New Zealand’s export values for October according to the latest overseas merchandise trade report from Stats NZ.


FPI: Food price inflation breaches 10% to hit 14-year high
11 Nov 2022  

FPI: Food price inflation breaches 10% to hit 14-year high

Annual food price inflation has jumped to hit double digits in October and set a 14-year high, according to Stats NZ.


Who topped IRI’s annual top 25 FMCG manufacturers list?
10 Nov 2022  

Who topped IRI’s annual top 25 FMCG manufacturers list?

There’s an F&B leader at the top of IRI’s latest rankings of FMCG manufacturers.


September meat exports up 21%, some markets slowing…
8 Nov 2022   /

September meat exports up 21%, some markets slowing…

High global prices continue to drive export growth for New Zealand red meat with the September value coming in at $777m – a 21% increase on last year, according to analysis by the Meat Industry Association.


GSCI: Supplier price increases hit double digits
7 Nov 2022   /

GSCI: Supplier price increases hit double digits

Supplier prices were 10% higher in October than the same time last year, with the largest number of items in five years going up in price.


Worldline forecasts jingling tills as pre-Christmas spend rises
7 Nov 2022   /

Worldline forecasts jingling tills as pre-Christmas spend rises

Payments platform Worldline NZ says consumer spending through core retail merchants in its network, excluding hospitality, was up 16.1% on pre-Covid levels to hit $3.13bn in October. 


Wine export values hit $2bn record
28 Oct 2022   /

Wine export values hit $2bn record

A bumper September was one of the drivers behind an new al-time high in New Zealand annual wine exports.


Food price rises driving up household inflation – Stats NZ
27 Oct 2022  

Food price rises driving up household inflation – Stats NZ

Increasing food price were one of two main contributors to a jump in household inflation, according to Stats NZ.


Hospo job ads grow as demand for workers remains
26 Oct 2022   /

Hospo job ads grow as demand for workers remains

Online job advertisements for hospitality roles are growing faster than any other sector as demand for labour remains high.


Dairy continues to lead rise in export values
21 Oct 2022  

Dairy continues to lead rise in export values

Goods exports jumped 37% or $1.6bn to $6bn in September 2022, compared with September 2021, according to the government’s latest Overseas merchandise trade statistics.


Food price inflation sub-categories plotted – IRI
20 Oct 2022   /

Food price inflation sub-categories plotted – IRI

In an era of rampant food price increases, Stats NZ’s monthly Food Price Inflation index often contains a sweeping reference to a hike in grocery prices, while naming a few products behind the latest movement.


CPI: Tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli drive largest quarterly rise in vege prices on record – Stats NZ
18 Oct 2022   /

CPI: Tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli drive largest quarterly rise in vege prices on record – Stats NZ

Tomatoes, lettuce and broccoli drove the highest quarterly rise in vegetable prices since Stats NZ started the data series in September 1999.


FPI: Annual food price inflation holds firm
13 Oct 2022   /

FPI: Annual food price inflation holds firm

The increasing price of two-minute noodles was one of the drivers of a 7.7% annual rise in the grocery category in September.


Retail card spend up in September
12 Oct 2022  

Retail card spend up in September

Retail card spending rose 1.4% in September 2022, when adjusted for seasonal effects, Stats NZ said.


World FPI falls for sixth month in Sept – FAO
11 Oct 2022   /

World FPI falls for sixth month in Sept – FAO

Global food prices have tracked down for the sixth month in a row, according to the United Nation’s food agency Food Price Index.


GSCI hits 9.2% as “more products re-costed at higher levels”
10 Oct 2022   /

GSCI hits 9.2% as “more products re-costed at higher levels”

In September this year, the cost of more than 5,400 products went up – almost double the number in September 2019.


Consumer spending still growing, just – Worldline
5 Oct 2022   /

Consumer spending still growing, just – Worldline

Consumer spending through Worldline New Zealand’s payments network was $2.92bn in August 2022, up 16% on the same month last year, excluding hospitality.


IRI: What a difference a year makes
27 Sep 2022   /

IRI: What a difference a year makes

The latest figures are a reminder of where we were this time last year – still battling Covid outbreaks and in the early days of a sustained period of food price inflation.


F&B exports help economy rebound
15 Sep 2022   /

F&B exports help economy rebound

Gross domestic product rose by 1.7% in the June 2022 quarter, following a 0.2% fall in the preceding March quarter, Stats NZ said.


Retail card spend up 0.9% August
14 Sep 2022  

Retail card spend up 0.9% August

Retail card spending rose $55m or 0.9% in August 2022 compared with July, when adjusted for seasonal effects, according to Stats NZ.


FPI: Annual food price inflation now more than 8%…
13 Sep 2022   /

FPI: Annual food price inflation now more than 8%…

Price increases hit a new peak in the current upward cycle, which has now been running for 17 months.


… as Countdown reveals August supplier cost figures
13 Sep 2022   /

… as Countdown reveals August supplier cost figures

Countdown has for the first time shared a monthly average for the cost increases requested by suppliers following requests for rises of up to 72% in August 2022.


Price rises drive up dairy export values – Stats NZ
13 Sep 2022   /

Price rises drive up dairy export values – Stats NZ

Price rises across dairy commodities drove an annual increase in the value of exports for dairy products, according to Stats NZ.


GSCI: Supplier costs up 8.7% in August
12 Sep 2022   /

GSCI: Supplier costs up 8.7% in August

Produce and chilled see the steepest monthly increases, according to the Infometrics – Foodstuffs NZ Grocery Supplier Cost Index. 


Consumer spend bounces back from Delta low – Worldline
7 Sep 2022   /

Consumer spend bounces back from Delta low – Worldline

Consumer spending through Worldline New Zealand’s payments network was $2.83bn in August 2022, up 14% on the same month last year, excluding hospitality.


Greenhouse gases 2021 versus 2019 by industry – did Covid make a difference?
6 Sep 2022   /

Greenhouse gases 2021 versus 2019 by industry – did Covid make a difference?

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing accounted for 61% of total industry CO2-e emissions in 2021


Infometrics chart of the month: The grocery supplier cost index
31 Aug 2022  

Infometrics chart of the month: The grocery supplier cost index

Infometrics has released a graph illustrating how grocery supplier cost increases have been accelerating over the last year.


Accom, hospo sales up more than $70m each – Stats NZ
29 Aug 2022   /

Accom, hospo sales up more than $70m each – Stats NZ

The easing of border restrictions has contributed to sales volume growth in the accommodation sector of almost $71.3m, an 11% rise between the March and June 2022 quarters, according to Stats NZ.


Craft beer production up 7.6% – OFS
29 Aug 2022   /

Craft beer production up 7.6% – OFS

Craft brewers increased production by 7.6% compared with the previous three months, the industry average for actual production time remains just 45%, according to new research.


IRI: Unit sales slip again – but not for private label
26 Aug 2022  

IRI: Unit sales slip again – but not for private label

Kiwis spent $16.9bn in supermarkets in the past year but inflation and unit trends means fewer groceries in the basket


Q2 producer prices up, record farm expenses
17 Aug 2022  

Q2 producer prices up, record farm expenses

Producer input and output prices were up again in the June 2022 quarter, according to Stats NZ, with farm expenses were at the highest level measured in the series going back to 1993.


FPI – Annual food price inflation back over 7%
12 Aug 2022   /

FPI – Annual food price inflation back over 7%

Annual food price inflation has breached the 7% mark for the second time this year – just the second time in a decade – with the latest data showing food prices 7.4% higher in July this year than last.


July hospo spend jumps to $1.9bn – Stats NZ
10 Aug 2022   /

July hospo spend jumps to $1.9bn – Stats NZ

Electronic card spending in the hospitality industry reached $1.9bn during July 2022, up from almost $1.1bn in the preceding month of June, according to Stats NZ data.


Kiwis plan to spend more on groceries, less on eating out – survey
9 Aug 2022   /

Kiwis plan to spend more on groceries, less on eating out – survey

Cost of living concerns impact spending sentiment with consumers planning to cut back on most purchases.


Private label: Surprise category gainers and losers
8 Aug 2022   /

Private label: Surprise category gainers and losers

A list of the top food and beverage categories in which private label sales have gained the most momentum over the past year – and those where sales have contracted – reveal some surprising results.


Infometrics-Foodstuffs GSCI: Supplier costs up 7.9%
8 Aug 2022   /

Infometrics-Foodstuffs GSCI: Supplier costs up 7.9%

A new index commissioned by the co-operative and produced by the economic consultancy shows the climbing cost of groceries sold by suppliers.


Price drives meat exports up 15% in June – MIA
4 Aug 2022   /

Price drives meat exports up 15% in June – MIA

Red meat exports in June were 15% higher than last year at $1.1bn largely driven by pricier beef to China, according to an analysis by the Meat Industry Association.


Convenience and takeaway spend up – Worldline
4 Aug 2022   /

Convenience and takeaway spend up – Worldline

Consumer spend is improving in merchant groups including convenience stores and takeaway merchants, but it still remains below pre-Covid levels, according to Worldline.


IRI: Unit growth down, private label sales up
27 Jul 2022   /

IRI: Unit growth down, private label sales up

Grocery spend continues to grow, driven by a 30-year inflation high, with the latest IRI data illustrating the ‘spend-more-get-less’ theme and a move to private label.


Global private label trends: which categories are surging?
27 Jul 2022   /

Global private label trends: which categories are surging?

Rising inflation and continuing supply chain challenges are leading to surging demand for private label products with value and convenience driving growth.


FPI: Annual food inflation remains high at 6.6%
13 Jul 2022   /

FPI: Annual food inflation remains high at 6.6%

Grocery prices continue to climb and are now 7.6% higher than this time last year, with milk, potato crisps and yoghurt notably more expensive.


Hospo spend falls in Q2 – Stats NZ
12 Jul 2022   /

Hospo spend falls in Q2 – Stats NZ

Electronic card spending in the hospitality industry fell to $3.3bn in the June 2022 quarter, down around $120m from the $3.4bn recorded for the same period last year.


CGA: Cost of living concerns curb on-premise visitation
11 Jul 2022   /

CGA: Cost of living concerns curb on-premise visitation

On-premise visitation is stabilising as Covid-19 restrictions dissipate but cost-of-living concerns are on the rise, according to a survey from CGA.


IRI: Unit growth stays negative in June
30 Jun 2022   /

IRI: Unit growth stays negative in June

It’s the second month in a row of negative unit sales even with inflation pushing more dollars through tills.


Hospo, tourism job ads rise 14% – SEEK
15 Jun 2022   /

Hospo, tourism job ads rise 14% – SEEK

Job advertisements for hospitality and tourism roles have jumped 14% in May 2022, compared to April, according to SEEK New Zealand.


FPI: Food price inflation creeps up again to 6.8%…
14 Jun 2022   /

FPI: Food price inflation creeps up again to 6.8%…

Food price inflation is back to where it was in February – a decade long record at the time – as groceries push the index up.


Hospo recovery setting in – Restaurant Association

Hospo recovery setting in – Restaurant Association

Hospitality revenues are starting to recover, with the gap narrowing in May compared with April, according to the latest monthly statistics from the Restaurant Association.


IRI: Consumer demand drifts as inflation continues unabated in May
7 Jun 2022   /

IRI: Consumer demand drifts as inflation continues unabated in May

The amount of money passing through grocery tills was up again in May, although fewer goods were sold and private label sales gained market share as consumers took action on inflation, according to IRI.


April record for red meat exports, headwinds gather
31 May 2022   /

April record for red meat exports, headwinds gather

New Zealand red meat exports hit a record $999.6m in April, up 16% on the same time last year according to the Meat Industry Association, which warned ongoing volatility in China indicates head winds in the coming months.


Primary industries NZ’s biggest emitter in 2020 – Stats NZ
27 May 2022   /

Primary industries NZ’s biggest emitter in 2020 – Stats NZ

New Zealand’s primary sector contributed the most to the country’s total emissions in 2020, coming in at 55%, but it added the smallest amount to GDP at 6.5%, according to data from Stats NZ.


Muted start for retail in 2022, supermarkets tick up
25 May 2022   /

Muted start for retail in 2022, supermarkets tick up

The volume of retail sales was flat in the March 2022 quarter, following a strong increase in the December 2021 quarter, according to Stats NZ.


Dairy, meat lead value of April exports up – Stats NZ
23 May 2022   /

Dairy, meat lead value of April exports up – Stats NZ

Exports were up 17% compared with April last year, according to Stats NZ, with food commodities performing strongly.


Red meat exports top $3bn in Q1 – MIA
17 May 2022   /

Red meat exports top $3bn in Q1 – MIA

Quarterly exports up 17% year on year, however March picture mixed as China restrictions continue and processors struggle with staffing at home.


FPI – Annual food price increase eases to 6.4%
12 May 2022   /

FPI – Annual food price increase eases to 6.4%

Price rises for cheddar cheese, milk, and eggs meant annual food inflation remained high in April, although eased from the 10-year record reported for March.


How has on-premise performed since Covid restrictions were lifted?
12 May 2022   /

How has on-premise performed since Covid restrictions were lifted?

Covid-19 concerns continue to dissipate, but venues and suppliers must now reckon with a reduction in disposable income.


Card spending up in April, but down for hospo
11 May 2022   /

Card spending up in April, but down for hospo

Stats NZ said that in actual terms, monthly card spending on hospitality continued to decrease, down $56m or 4.9% compared with April 2021.


IRI: Price inflation pushes April supermarket sales
9 May 2022   /

IRI: Price inflation pushes April supermarket sales

The latest four-week period sees accelerated dollar growth this year as inflation continues unabated.


Steady increase in beef cattle numbers, dairy flat
9 May 2022   /

Steady increase in beef cattle numbers, dairy flat

Beef cattle numbers increased in 2021, while the number of sheep dipped slightly, according to Stats NZ.


Unemployment stays at record low, wages on the rise
5 May 2022  

Unemployment stays at record low, wages on the rise

Unemployment has remained at a record low of 3.2% for the March 2022 quarter, according to Stats NZ’s latest employment figures.


Dairy, beef drive export growth due to higher prices
29 Apr 2022   /

Dairy, beef drive export growth due to higher prices

The value of total good exports rose strongly in March 2022, driven by increases in dairy products, beef, and aluminium.


Annual inflation hits 6.9%, highest in 30 years
21 Apr 2022   /

Annual inflation hits 6.9%, highest in 30 years

The annual CPI inflation rate for the March 2022 quarter reached 6.9% – the largest movement since a 7.6% annual increase in the year to the June 1990 quarter, said Stats NZ.


Hospo spend tops $202m over Easter
21 Apr 2022   /

Hospo spend tops $202m over Easter

Consumer spending in hospitality over the week leading up to Easter Monday reached $202.8m, bucking a 23% downward trend over the last eight months following the Covid Delta outbreak, according to payment data from Worldline.


FPI: Another decade-high jump at 7.6% for March year
13 Apr 2022  

FPI: Another decade-high jump at 7.6% for March year

Fruit and vegetable prices jumped 18% over the year with meat, poultry, and fish prices up almost 9%.


Most of NZ’s fish stocks performing well – Fisheries NZ
12 Apr 2022  

Most of NZ’s fish stocks performing well – Fisheries NZ

The majority of New Zealand’s fish stocks are performing well, according to Fisheries New Zealand’s latest status report.


Rising costs will lift prices 7.5% in Q2 – Retail NZ
8 Apr 2022  

Rising costs will lift prices 7.5% in Q2 – Retail NZ

Ninety percent of retailers expect prices to rise by 7.5% on average over the next three months, says Retail New Zealand.


Hospo spending ‘takes gradual steps up’ in March
6 Apr 2022   /

Hospo spending ‘takes gradual steps up’ in March

As several changes to New Zealand’s border rules came into effect in March, spending in the hospitality sector rose gradually but steadily across the nation to reach $700m, according to Worldline.


Supply chain pressure bolsters record Q1 job listings – Trade Me
6 Apr 2022   /

Supply chain pressure bolsters record Q1 job listings – Trade Me

Supply chain challenges were one of the reasons behind a record number of job vacancies in the first quarter of the year according to analysis from Trade Me Jobs.


Grocery Market Overview: Dairy drives growth as annual supermarket spend nears $17bn
4 Apr 2022   /

Grocery Market Overview: Dairy drives growth as annual supermarket spend nears $17bn

But rising costs are forcing consumers to re-think how they spend, says IRI.


Omicron hits supply but high prices drive value of red meat exports up 21%
28 Mar 2022   /

Omicron hits supply but high prices drive value of red meat exports up 21%

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Price hikes, Omicron push Feb grocery sales to $1.3bn – IRI
14 Mar 2022   /

Price hikes, Omicron push Feb grocery sales to $1.3bn – IRI

IRI’s Grocery Market Overview attributes price rises as the major driver behind February’s 5.8% increase in sales value.


FPI: Food price hike highest in over a decade
11 Mar 2022   /

FPI: Food price hike highest in over a decade

Food prices continue their upward trajectory, with fruit and vegetables jumping 17% on a year ago.


Feb hospo spend in the doldrums
4 Mar 2022   /

Feb hospo spend in the doldrums

Consumer spending at hospitality businesses remains down nearly a quarter on pre-Covid levels, according to data from payment services provider Worldline.


Which F&B group spent the most on NZ advertising in 2021?
3 Mar 2022   /

Which F&B group spent the most on NZ advertising in 2021?

Well known food and beverage brands feature prominently in top 20 biggest advertising spenders, according to Nielsen Ad Intel.


Global dairy price index hits record high
2 Mar 2022   /

Global dairy price index hits record high

Global dairy prices have hit a new record.


Dairy exports jump in Jan, overall trade deficit – Stats NZ
28 Feb 2022   /

Dairy exports jump in Jan, overall trade deficit – Stats NZ

New Zealand exports of milk powder, butter, cheese, jumped 15% to $1.6bn in January when compared with the same month a year earlier.


Food and beverage sales recover in Q4 – Stats NZ
28 Feb 2022   /

Food and beverage sales recover in Q4 – Stats NZ

Food and beverage sales volumes rose 12% in the December quarter as businesses came out of lockdown.


Spirits, RTDs, low alcohol enjoy growth, while wine goes flat
25 Feb 2022   /

Spirits, RTDs, low alcohol enjoy growth, while wine goes flat

Consumers are shifting from the middle ground and becoming more adventurous.


Seed export revenue dips 5% in 2021
23 Feb 2022   /

Seed export revenue dips 5% in 2021

New Zealand seed exports dipped 5% in 2021 compared with the prior year, to come in at $236m.


Producer prices rise in December quarter
21 Feb 2022   /

Producer prices rise in December quarter

Producer input prices rose 1.1%, while producer output prices rose 1.4% in the December quarter, led by dairy and construction.


58% of hospo owners preparing for insolvency – survey
15 Feb 2022   /

58% of hospo owners preparing for insolvency – survey

Half the industry has seen revenue plummet by more than 40% since NZ shifted to red, says Hospitality NZ.


Annual food price rise highest in over a decade
14 Feb 2022   /

Annual food price rise highest in over a decade

Annual food prices rose in 5.9% with widespread increases seen in January.


Card spend on consumables jumps in January
14 Feb 2022   /

Card spend on consumables jumps in January

Credit and debit card spending increased a seasonally adjusted 2.1% or $175m in January, compared with December, according to Stats NZ.


Hospo revenues plummet 60% on pre-Covid levels – RA
11 Feb 2022   /

Hospo revenues plummet 60% on pre-Covid levels – RA

Restaurants are reporting a near 60% overall decline in revenues since the Covid-19 pandemic began.


Apple and pear crop on track for 601k tonnes despite headwinds
10 Feb 2022  

Apple and pear crop on track for 601k tonnes despite headwinds

New Zealand’s 2022 apple and pear crop is predicted to reach 601,000 tonnes – inline with expectations – although Omicron, supply chain and labour shortage issues continue to plague the sector.


Value over volume drives record meat exports to $10bn – MIA  
4 Feb 2022   /

Value over volume drives record meat exports to $10bn – MIA  

New Zealand’s red meat exports reached $10bn in 2021 despite Covid challenges and some softening in the major China market, says the Meat Industry Association.


Hospitality contributes 137k direct jobs, $6.8b in GDP – report
2 Dec 2021  

Hospitality contributes 137k direct jobs, $6.8b in GDP – report

More than 232,000 jobs are dependent on New Zealand’s hospitality sector, 137,000 of them directly, according to a new report.


Dairy, beef, lamb exports rise in October
26 Nov 2021   /

Dairy, beef, lamb exports rise in October

The monthly value of goods exported in October 2021 rose to $5.3bn in October 2021, up 12% compared with the same month last year, according to Stats NZ.


Who topped IRI’s annual top 25 FMCG manufacturers list?
22 Nov 2021   /

Who topped IRI’s annual top 25 FMCG manufacturers list?

There’s an F&B leader at the top of IRI’s latest list of FMCG manufacturers.


Auckland spend bounces back – BNZ
22 Nov 2021   /

Auckland spend bounces back – BNZ

Auckland retail spending has rebounded to top pre-Delta levels after Covid restrictions eased across the region, according to Bank of New Zealand.


Perspectives: Smart labels and allergy sensors – how to ensure the future of food is ethical
15 Nov 2021   /

Perspectives: Smart labels and allergy sensors – how to ensure the future of food is ethical

In a future where every moment of a crop’s lifecycle and detailed records of what moves on and off supermarket shelves is collected and collated, how do we ensure these systems meet ethical standards?


Zero alcohol beer sales boom – NZABC
15 Nov 2021  

Zero alcohol beer sales boom – NZABC

A 322% increase in the sale of zero-alcohol beer was seen in the span of a year from June 2020-June 2021, according to the NZ Alcohol Beverages Council.


FPI: Food prices fall for first time since Feb
11 Nov 2021   /

FPI: Food prices fall for first time since Feb

Food prices eased marginally in October however the annual growth rate was well-above the long-term average, says Stats NZ.


How F&B will benefit from NZ-UK FTA – ANZ breaks it down
11 Nov 2021   /

How F&B will benefit from NZ-UK FTA – ANZ breaks it down

New Zealand exports to the UK could increase by 40% with food and beverage the big winners, according to ANZ research.


Lockdown rebound hits F&B spend in October
10 Nov 2021   /

Lockdown rebound hits F&B spend in October

New Zealanders spent 9.5% more on their credit and debit card in October 2021 than in September as Covid-19 alert levels eased across large parts of the country, however the increase did not benefit the grocery sector, according to Stats NZ.


Primary industries’ greenhouse gas emissions flat
10 Nov 2021   /

Primary industries’ greenhouse gas emissions flat

Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, fishing, and forestry for the June 2021 quarter was flat at 9,069 kilotonnes, just 0.9% up on the same period last year.


Meat, wine exports jump despite Covid, supply chain headwinds
9 Nov 2021   /

Meat, wine exports jump despite Covid, supply chain headwinds

New Zealand’s meat and wine exports have enjoyed a strong September 2021 quarter with the value of the former surging.


Chicken and egg: FPI increases for sixth consecutive month
14 Oct 2021   /

Chicken and egg: FPI increases for sixth consecutive month

Seasonally adjusted food prices were up 0.9% on the month prior in September as higher priced chicken and eggs came home to roost.


September card spend edges up, grocery falters
13 Oct 2021   /

September card spend edges up, grocery falters

The easing of Covid-19 alert levels everywhere apart from Auckland saw retail card spending edge up 0.9% or $45m compared with August to hit $5.15bn, according to Stats NZ.


F&B exports to China: lobster leaps as meat, dairy enjoy strong H1
11 Oct 2021   /

F&B exports to China: lobster leaps as meat, dairy enjoy strong H1

Food exports were strong in H1 but it’s an uneven recovery from Covid for infant formula, cherries and some seafood.


Retail spending hit, fears for Xmas grow
6 Oct 2021   /

Retail spending hit, fears for Xmas grow

Nationwide average retail spending was down by at least 15% in August and down by 16% in September, according to Retail New Zealand’s latest Retail Radar report.


Strong spending rebound outside Auckland – BNZ
5 Oct 2021   /

Strong spending rebound outside Auckland – BNZ

Card spending across the country rebounded to just 5% below pre-lockdown levels in the week to Tuesday 28 September – the first full week of Covid-19 alert level 3.


Digital disruption is here, retailers must brace for change – Westpac
29 Sep 2021   /

Digital disruption is here, retailers must brace for change – Westpac

Digital disruption is bringing massive change to retail, with the tracking of food an important driver, says a new report from the bank.


Food prices rise for fifth consecutive month
13 Sep 2021   /

Food prices rise for fifth consecutive month

Food prices rose for the fifth consecutive month in August mainly due to higher prices for meat, poultry and fish, and restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food, according to Stats NZ.


Overall August spend down, grocery up – Stats NZ
13 Sep 2021   /

Overall August spend down, grocery up – Stats NZ

Retail card spending in New Zealand fell 19.8% in August compared with July reflecting reduced spending as the country went into lockdown mid-month, according to Stats NZ.


Chris Quin on Foodstuffs’ category reset and its ‘phygital’ future
10 Sep 2021  

Chris Quin on Foodstuffs’ category reset and its ‘phygital’ future

A three year project to rebuild FSNI’s supply chain was delivered just in time for Delta, and sets the co-op up for an increasingly digital future.


Food firms dominate Kiwi co-op rankings
10 Sep 2021   /

Food firms dominate Kiwi co-op rankings

Fonterra, Zespri, and Foodstuffs are heavyweights in NZ’s top 30 co-operative rankings.


Lockdown spending winners and losers
6 Sep 2021  

Lockdown spending winners and losers

The amount of money flowing through retailers tills fell by more than a third following the start of the a snap lockdown in mid August, with alert level trading restrictions dictating the winners and losers of the stay-at-home orders.


Dairy pushes export prices higher
6 Sep 2021  

Dairy pushes export prices higher

Export prices for goods rose 8.3% on the previous quarter in the three months to June 2021, while import prices rose 4.8%, according to Stats NZ.


July red meat exports jump 29%
3 Sep 2021   /

July red meat exports jump 29%

New Zealand exported red meat and co-products worth $870m during July 2021 – a 29% increase on the same month last year, according to the latest analysis from the Meat Industry Association.


Food spend second biggest riser in lockdown, restaurants suffer most – BNZ
2 Sep 2021   /

Food spend second biggest riser in lockdown, restaurants suffer most – BNZ

The increase in spending on food was second only to IT equipment and software after the country went into its snap lockdown in mid-August.


NZ beef pricing “strong” despite volatility – Rabobank
27 Aug 2021   /

NZ beef pricing “strong” despite volatility – Rabobank

Pricing for New Zealand beef remains strong despite turbulence in global beef markets, according to Rabobank’s latest Global Beef Quarterly report.


July seafood exports jump 29%
26 Aug 2021  

July seafood exports jump 29%

Exports of fish, crustaceans, and molluscs were up $35m or 29% in July to reach $155m, according to Stats NZ.


Eating out boosts Q2 retail sales
25 Aug 2021   /

Eating out boosts Q2 retail sales

Food and beverage services sales topped $3.38bn in June 2021 quarter, according to Stats NZ’s latest retail trade survey.


Produce pushes July food prices up
13 Aug 2021   /

Produce pushes July food prices up

Food prices rose 1.3% in July compared with the previous month, mainly influenced by fruit and vege price hikes.


Pantry stocking continues in July – Stats NZ
11 Aug 2021  

Pantry stocking continues in July – Stats NZ

New Zealanders spent $77m – or 0.9% – more using their credit and debit cards in July 2021 compared with the previous month, Stats NZ said today, with total card spending hitting $8.53bn.


June exports beef up to hit record
27 Jul 2021   /

June exports beef up to hit record

The value of NZ exports continues to climb hitting a new high of $6bn in June this year.


Vegetable prices jump 15% – the sharpest rise in four years
13 Jul 2021   /

Vegetable prices jump 15% – the sharpest rise in four years

Capsicum prices jumped 27% to a weighted average price of $24.16 per kilogram, an all-time high.


Wild weather drives supermarket spend to biggest June riser
12 Jul 2021   /

Wild weather drives supermarket spend to biggest June riser

Supermarkets saw the biggest rise in Kiwi spending in June 2021 as wild weather drove people to stock up and stay indoors, according to Stats NZ.


May meat exports top $877m
8 Jul 2021  

May meat exports top $877m

New Zealand exported red meat and co-products worth $877m during May, according to the latest analysis from the Meat Industry Association.


Paymark Q2 retail spend strong
8 Jul 2021   /

Paymark Q2 retail spend strong

Core retail spend has been consistently above 2019 and 2020 in recent months coming in at $10.9bn in the June quarter, according to Paymark.


NZ finishes full dairy season up 1.5% – Fonterra
1 Jul 2021  

NZ finishes full dairy season up 1.5% – Fonterra

Fonterra’s New Zealand milk collection for May 2021 was 75.3 million kgMS, 7.7% higher than the same month last year.


US F&B trade looks strong for year ahead – NZUS Council
25 Jun 2021   /

US F&B trade looks strong for year ahead – NZUS Council

The US is likely to remain the largest market for wine and beef exporters over the coming 12 months, according to NZUS Council.


Eating out helps out – GDP up 1.6% in Q1
18 Jun 2021   /

Eating out helps out – GDP up 1.6% in Q1

Gross domestic product rose by 1.6% in the March 2021 quarter, with increased spending on eating out, accommodation and big ticket items.


Non-alcoholic drinks biggest mover in May food prices
16 Jun 2021   /

Non-alcoholic drinks biggest mover in May food prices

Food price rose 0.4% in May compared with the month prior when rising prices for tomatoes and cucumbers contributed to a 1.1% jump, according to Stats NZ.


Specialised food spend up, supermarket down – Stats NZ
14 Jun 2021  

Specialised food spend up, supermarket down – Stats NZ

Seasonally adjusted card spending rose by $189m or 2.3% between April 2021 and May 2021, with consumables rising 40%.


Meat, dairy sales volumes grow in Q1
10 Jun 2021  

Meat, dairy sales volumes grow in Q1

Manufacturing sales volumes reached a record peak of $27bn in the March quarter, up 0.4% or $113m from the December 2020 quarter, according to Stats NZ.


Beef + Lamb sees strong 2020 US performance
10 Jun 2021  

Beef + Lamb sees strong 2020 US performance

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has reported strong growth and increased demand for grass-fed, pasture-raised beef and lamb in the US.


April red meat sector exports stable at $863m
8 Jun 2021   /

April red meat sector exports stable at $863m

New Zealand red meat exports remained steady in April with a total of $863m worth of meat and co-products exported to global markets, according to the latest analysis from MIA.


Meat, dairy exports fall in March year
3 Jun 2021   /

Meat, dairy exports fall in March year

Total exports of goods and services fell $14.3bn or 16.5%, to $72.6bn in the year ending March 2021, as visibility of the full Covid-19 affected year emerged, according to Stats NZ.


“Rock solid” demand underpinning food exports to US
31 May 2021   /

“Rock solid” demand underpinning food exports to US

Increased volatility and global supply chain disruption are dogging exports to the US, but strong demand for NZ products including beef and wine are supporting long-term growth.


Dairy drags April exports
27 May 2021  

Dairy drags April exports

In April 2021, the value of total goods exports rose 1.2% or $65m compared with April 2020, to $5.4bn.


Stats NZ: Q1 retail spend up, food down
26 May 2021   /

Stats NZ: Q1 retail spend up, food down

Higher retail spending on electronic items and outdoor recreational goods this summer helped boost overall spending in the March 2021 quarter, according to Stats NZ.


FPI: Produce pushes April food prices up 1.1%
14 May 2021  

FPI: Produce pushes April food prices up 1.1%

Rising prices for tomatoes and cucumbers were the main contributors to a 1.1% rise in food prices in April 2021, according to Stats NZ.


How prepared were F&B companies for the pandemic?
12 May 2021  

How prepared were F&B companies for the pandemic?

More than 60% of food industry executives did not have an adequate plan to deal with the impacts of Covid-19, says a new US-based study.


More liquor, less grocery spend in April – Stats NZ
12 May 2021  

More liquor, less grocery spend in April – Stats NZ

Spending at supermarkets and grocery stores contracted in April falling $278m on the same time last year to $1.8bn, according to Stats NZ .


Gold kiwifruit overtakes green
10 May 2021  

Gold kiwifruit overtakes green

The total canopy area of gold kiwifruit has now surpassed that of the green variety, according to final agricultural production figures from Stats NZ.


Sheep meat exports reach $4bn – Stats NZ
10 May 2021   /

Sheep meat exports reach $4bn – Stats NZ

The number of sheep in New Zealand in June 2020 was 26 million, down 3% on the same month in 2019, according to final agricultural production figures from Stats NZ.


Easter spend a tale of two islands
4 May 2021  

Easter spend a tale of two islands

Spending over the Easter period more than doubled compared to the same period of last year, although growth in the North Island outstripped the South Island.


Organics plan to scale-up $723m NZ sector
15 Apr 2021   /

Organics plan to scale-up $723m NZ sector

A strategy is in the pipeline to help accelerate an already-booming industry.


Grocery and liquor spend falls $74m in March – Stats NZ
14 Apr 2021   /

Grocery and liquor spend falls $74m in March – Stats NZ

Spending on grocery and liquor in March was down 3.3%, or $74m, from February 2021 levels, according to Stats NZ.


Which F&B tycoons made the 2021 Forbes Rich List?
8 Apr 2021  

Which F&B tycoons made the 2021 Forbes Rich List?

From spring water chiefs to supermarket dynasties – the annual rankings are a smorgasboard of F&B billionaires.


Red meat exports steady at $907m
6 Apr 2021  

Red meat exports steady at $907m

New Zealand red meat exports for February 2021 reached $906.7m, says the Meat Industry Association.


Primary sector economies take top spots – ASB regional rankings
30 Mar 2021   /

Primary sector economies take top spots – ASB regional rankings

The bank described the December 2020 quarter results as a tale of two islands as the north continued to outperform the south.


Food sector jobs down in Feb
30 Mar 2021   /

Food sector jobs down in Feb

Jobs in the accommodation and food services sectors were down 5.4% for February 2021.


Food price inflation slows as value of meat, poultry, fish fall
12 Mar 2021  

Food price inflation slows as value of meat, poultry, fish fall

Restaurant meals and foods such as Thai and Indian helped lift prices in Feb but it was the slowest growth for 18 months.


Supermarket spending falls in Feb – Stats NZ
11 Mar 2021   /

Supermarket spending falls in Feb – Stats NZ

Spending on food fell in February 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions, says Stats NZ.


Falling prices suppress dairy, meat manufacturing
10 Mar 2021   /

Falling prices suppress dairy, meat manufacturing

Dairy and meat product manufacturing fell 3.2% to $288m in the December 2020 quarter, says Stats NZ.


Covid, African Swine sees 14% decline in red meat exports
9 Mar 2021   /

Covid, African Swine sees 14% decline in red meat exports

New Zealand’s red meat exports fell to $743.3m in January 2021, a 14% drop on compared to the same month a year ago.


Strong sales for Marlborough vineyards in 2020 – Colliers
3 Mar 2021  

Strong sales for Marlborough vineyards in 2020 – Colliers

The number of vineyard sales almost doubled compared to 2019, says the agent.


Increase in alcohol on shelves ‘concerning’ – Alcohol Healthwatch
1 Mar 2021  

Increase in alcohol on shelves ‘concerning’ – Alcohol Healthwatch

There was a substantial increase in the amount of alcohol on the shelves in the second half of 2020, according to Stats NZ.


Wine, spirits volumes rise, beer falls except for high strength
26 Feb 2021   /

Wine, spirits volumes rise, beer falls except for high strength

Last year’s record wine result was in contrast to falls in each of the previous two years.


Dairy, meat lead value of Jan exports down
26 Feb 2021   /

Dairy, meat lead value of Jan exports down

It was the fifth consecutive month where dairy exports were less than the corresponding month a year ago.


Low prices push dairy, meat exports down
18 Dec 2020  

Low prices push dairy, meat exports down

Stats NZ says NZ meat exporters were selling more for less.


Almost 80% single-serve drinks in NZ supermarkets are sugary, study finds
18 Dec 2020  

Almost 80% single-serve drinks in NZ supermarkets are sugary, study finds

Researchers are calling for the government to intervene, and say industry pledges are not enough.


Global F&B rankings for 2020 revealed
17 Dec 2020  

Global F&B rankings for 2020 revealed

Did a global pandemic end Nestlé’s reign at the top of the international F&B power list?


New Zealanders binning $3bn of food every year
17 Dec 2020  

New Zealanders binning $3bn of food every year

The new research found leftovers to be the most common food item being thrown out.


1% fall in primary sector exports for FY21 “better than expected”
16 Dec 2020  

1% fall in primary sector exports for FY21 “better than expected”

NZ’s food is still highly sought around the world, says MPI director-general Ray Smith.


Strawberry prices crushed 43% as exports fall
14 Dec 2020   /

Strawberry prices crushed 43% as exports fall

As air freight costs soared due to Covid-19 border closures, so did the price of exporting.


Q2 hospitality sales plummet 40%
14 Dec 2020  

Q2 hospitality sales plummet 40%

Nationwide sales for the hospitality industry fell to $1.7bn in the second quarter of 2020, down 40% on the same period last year.


Stats NZ: Solid November spend for consumables
11 Dec 2020   /

Stats NZ: Solid November spend for consumables

Retail card spending was stable in November rising just 1.4% or $85m to $6.25bn.


Stats NZ: September surge boosted by dairy, meat, grocery records
10 Dec 2020   /

Stats NZ: September surge boosted by dairy, meat, grocery records

Dairy and meat product manufacturing volumes, and wholesale grocery and liquor value saw huge lifts in the Sept quarter.


Dairy exports suffer 16% value hit
3 Dec 2020  

Dairy exports suffer 16% value hit

Both dairy and meat exports have taken a dive in the September quarter.


Booming NZ brewing sector worth $2.7bn despite Covid woes
2 Dec 2020  

Booming NZ brewing sector worth $2.7bn despite Covid woes

The industry supported more than 7000 jobs and paid $470m in annual wages, says NZIER.


Pic’s picks off Whittakers in new Brand Reputation Index
27 Nov 2020  

Pic’s picks off Whittakers in new Brand Reputation Index

The likes of Pic’s Peanut Butter and Whittakers have taken the top spots.


Value of food exports drop in Oct – Stats NZ
27 Nov 2020  

Value of food exports drop in Oct – Stats NZ

Some dairy products were down $198m.


Supermarkets strong in record Q3 retail sales results
24 Nov 2020  

Supermarkets strong in record Q3 retail sales results

NZ’s retail sector is on the road to recovery, according to the latest figures from Stats NZ.


Dairy producers pay falls 13% dip in Sept quarter – Stats NZ
19 Nov 2020  

Dairy producers pay falls 13% dip in Sept quarter – Stats NZ

Gains made in the March and June quarters have been impacted by the fall.


High supply sees fruit, vege prices drop – Stats NZ
16 Nov 2020  

High supply sees fruit, vege prices drop – Stats NZ

The department says prices tend to fall in October as fruit and vegetables follow seasonal trend.


Oct food and beverage spend second highest in 20 years – Stats NZ
11 Nov 2020  

Oct food and beverage spend second highest in 20 years – Stats NZ

Supermarket and grocery store spending in October 2020 increased by $137m, or 7.8%, compared to the same month last year.


Record blueberry consumption after 15.2% jump
11 Nov 2020  

Record blueberry consumption after 15.2% jump

Eight million punnets of blueberries were eaten by New Zealanders last year.


Q3 red meat exports to US leap 50% to $400m
5 Nov 2020  

Q3 red meat exports to US leap 50% to $400m

The Meat Industry Association says a decline in China prompted a “re-balancing” to other export markets.


Milk production lifts by 1.6% as US, EU exports grow
2 Nov 2020   /

Milk production lifts by 1.6% as US, EU exports grow

Fonterra released its Global Dairy Update last week with the latest data.


Value of dairy exports takes $97m hit
28 Oct 2020  

Value of dairy exports takes $97m hit

The value of New Zealand’s dairy product exports in September 2020 fell from the same month in 2019.


NZ wine exports up 11% in 2020
28 Oct 2020  

NZ wine exports up 11% in 2020

New Zealand wine exports continue to perform strongly, increasing by 10.7% in the eight months to August.


Vege prices jump 18% to push CPI up
27 Oct 2020  

Vege prices jump 18% to push CPI up

Higher vegetable prices have contributed to a 0.7% increase in the Consumers Price Index (CPI.


Research: Women under-represented in meat sector
15 Oct 2020  

Research: Women under-represented in meat sector

New research suggests women are under-represented in, and even prevented from, aspiring to higher levels of business in the industry.


August sees tomato prices spike 38%
11 Sep 2020  

August sees tomato prices spike 38%

Covid-19 has driven the price of tomatoes to an all-time high, according to Stats NZ.