Cauliflower prices reach record high

A combination of dry weather and high demand had pushed up the prices of cauliflowers and other fresh produce. Photo / NZME

Cauliflower prices have risen 66 per cent to their highest level since 1994.

The average price of a 1.5kg head of cauliflower was previously recorded at $8.24, with the Herald reporting a few weeks ago that the price had soared further to $10 per head.

Vegetable and fresh produce prices have risen 3.8 per cent in March, led by tomatoes, lettuce and cauliflower, Statistics New Zealand data found.

A combination of dry weather and high demand had pushed up the prices for a range of vegetables, Statistics New Zealand consumer prices manager Matt Haigh said.

"Cauliflower prices rose 66 percent to reach their highest level since our series began in 1994. The average price of a 1.5kg head of cauliflower was $8.24," he said. "A combination of dry weather and high demand has pushed up prices for a range of vegetables."

The current prices for tomatoes and lettuce are 14 per cent higher than this time last year.

Overall national food prices, after adjusting to seasonal effects, have risen 0.8 per cent in the month of March.

A Horticulture New Zealand spokeswoman told the Herald last month the high price of cauliflower was a case of "old fashioned supply and demand".

Fruit, vegetables and non-alcoholic beverages rose last month while the price of meat and poultry fell 0.2 per cent.

See the full food price index here: