NZ food prices inch up in June, led by avocados and soft drinks

NZ food prices inch up in June, led by avocados and soft drinks
Rebecca Howard
By Rebecca Howard July 13 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand food prices rose in June, led by higher prices for avocados and soft drinks, although produce prices more broadly pulled back from highs in May.  The food price index climbed an annual 3 percent in the year ended June, Statistics New Zealand said and lifted 0.2 percent on the month.   "Avocado prices tend to peak in the winter before falling in spring as new fruit become available," consumer prices manager Matthew Haigh said. "Prices are back near the record level in June last year...