Annual food inflation in New Zealand slowed to 4% in December 2025, the lowest since April, from 4.4% in November. The grocery food group, which rose 4.6% year-on-year, contributed most to the overall increase in food prices. Meat, poultry and fish followed, climbing 7.4% annually. Restaurant meals and ready-to-eat foods, as well as fruits and vegetables, each rose 2.4%, while non-alcoholic beverages increased 3.6%.