Higher prices for , , and contributed to a 3.5-percent increase in food prices in New Zealand for the year ended January 2020, the largest annual rise in more than eight years. This wasstated by the country’s statistics department Stats om Friday.

“Decreased pork production in China during 2019 has increased the export demand for New Zealand meat products, pushing prices up,” said consumer prices manager Sarah Johnson in a statement.

“Meat, poultry, and fish prices have increased six per cent in the year. Restaurant and ready-to-eat meals increased 3.4 percent, while fruit and vegetable prices were up 2.7 percent,” she added.

“These increases were partly offset by the decreasing prices for iceberg lettuce, onions, and honey,” Johnson stated.

Statistics showed that the overall annual increase in food prices was the largest since September 2011, when prices increased 4.7 percent.

“We often see food prices rise in January following falls in December, as items go off Christmas specials,” Johnson said.