New Zealand has seen its food prices surge by 7.6% over the past year, marking the highest annual increase in over a decade, with the most significant rise since 2011 when a GST increase was implemented. This increase is attributed to a combination of global factors such as the Omicron variant, supply chain disruptions, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, alongside local issues like a lack of competition at the checkout. The price of vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli, iceberg lettuce, and cabbage has notably increased, with cabbage prices rising by 28% in March. The government and opposition have criticized supermarket chains Foodstuffs and Woolworths for profiting from these high food prices.