NZ food prices rise in July as takeout and restaurant meal prices push higher

NZ food prices rise in July as takeout and restaurant meal prices push higher
Rebecca Howard
By Rebecca Howard Aug. 13 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand's food prices rose in July, once again led by higher prices for takeout and restaurant meals and echoing strong activity in the hospitality sector in a separate indicator of services.  Statistics New Zealand said food prices rose 0.7 percent in July and 1.1 percent on the year, with the annual lift driven by a 3.2 percent jump in restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices. It was the largest annual increase since September 2011 and all items priced in this category increased in pri...