Grocers butter up shoppers as ‘yellow gold’ becomes battleground

The country’s three main supermarkets say they sell butter below cost. (Image: Greg Bowker)

Fri, 27 Jun 2025

Butter has become a battleground in the grocery sector as high prices play an outsized role in consumers’ minds. On June 17, Stats NZ released data showing butter was $8.42 per 500 grams, up 51.2% annually. The cost of butter is nearly twice as high as it was in early 2024.Chris Wilkinson, managing director of First Retail Group, said rising prices have made consumers sensitive, causing them to shop around.“People tend to follow those normal routines that they have ... What’s going on now has disrupted these traditional s...

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