Measures the price change of food and food services purchased by households. Higher food prices can result in economic slowdown because less disposable income will be used for non-food expenditures. Higher food prices can also result in inflation and signal future monetary action.

Higher domestic food prices may also suggest higher food prices internationally. New Zealand 's economy is largely based on producing and exporting agricultural goods and food products. Therefore, the Food Price Index can reflect demand for New Zealand products and for the New Zealand dollar. A higher reading may suggest a strengthening of the Dollar as foreigners pay relatively more for New Zealand 's exports.

The headline number is the percentage change in the index from the previous month.

Relevance: Rarely affects markets
Release Schedule : 22:45 (GMT); monthly, 1-2 weeks after the reporting period
Source of Report : Statistics New Zealand
Web Address : http://www.stats.govt.nz/default.htm
Address of Release http://www.stats.govt.nz/products-and-services/info-releases/fpi-info-releases.htm