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Are rising bread prices as big a problem as they seem?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 18 Feb 2026, 10:58am
(Stock Xchng).
(Stock Xchng).

Are rising bread prices as big a problem as they seem?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 18 Feb 2026, 10:58am

Some reassurance a jump in bread prices isn't major as food price inflation rises sharply. 

Latest Stats NZ data shows the rate's risen from 4% a month ago to 4.6%. 

In the past year, the very cheapest loaf of white bread has gone up by almost 60%, and steak and chocolate more than 20%. 

Baking Industry Association President Bernie Sugrue told Ryan Bridge most loaves of bread haven't had price rises as much as this, despite increased costs for bakeries. 

He says 60% doesn't represent a lift in all bread prices, just that one particular loaf. 

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