The cost and excuse of living in a long, lean and small country

The cost and excuse of living in a long, lean and small country
How does NZ’s geography contribute to grocery costs? (Image: NZME)
Dileepa Fonseka
When it comes to the role New Zealand’s geography plays in the high prices NZ pays at the supermarket, even the supermarket duopoly disagrees with itself.In its market study, ComCom noted Foodstuffs South Island had submitted that NZ’s low density and population size affected the returns that could be made on supermarkets, while on the other hand, Foodstuffs North Island and Woolworths had said geography and size did not make a material difference to whether new entrants were able to enter the market.The commission decided size and...

More Business of Food

Business of Food: What we’ve learnt
Business of Food

Business of Food: What we’ve learnt

Wrapping up smorgasbord of top-notch journalism.

Victoria Young 24 Jul 2025
Replanting Plan*t: Founders restart brand, debts remain
Business of Food

Replanting Plan*t: Founders restart brand, debts remain

Debt of $2.25m, including govt loan, left behind as brand springs back.

Cécile Meier 08 Jul 2025
Foodstuffs serves up reuse trial with Bonson
Retail

Foodstuffs serves up reuse trial with Bonson

Most shoppers skip reusable bags so will they return deli trays?

Cécile Meier 01 Jul 2025