New Zealanders have to pay a lot for fruit and vegetables

Published 2023년 3월 3일

Tridge summary

Cyclone Gabrielle has caused significant damage to New Zealand's fruit and vegetable crops, leading to a surge in prices in the affected areas. Sweet potatoes have doubled in price, and retailers anticipate similar increases in potatoes and onions. The cyclone devastated 90% of the country's sweet potato crop in Northland, adding to the supply shortage. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed the impact on vegetable prices and noted the high costs of importing vegetables due to transport expenses. The price instability is expected to persist throughout the year due to the uncertain crop conditions and high demand.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

The already high prices New Zealanders pay for fruit and vegetables could become even higher as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle. Some prices have doubled since the cyclone hit. Local supermarkets in Auckland say that sweet potatoes (kumara) - which were $4.50/kg (€2.64) - now cost at least $9/kg (€5.28), while a single piece of broccoli is $5.99 (€ 3.51) costs. Retailers also expect the prices of potatoes and onions to rise significantly. Jerry Prendergast, president of United Fresh, a trade association of fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers, said that supply and demand have always driven prices and will continue to do so. He said prices are likely to be "unstable" in the coming year because "so much is still unknown" about how the crops will fare after Cyclone Gabrielle. For example, Northland grows most of the country's sweet potatoes, 90% of which were wiped out in the storm. "Imports are usually an expensive way to bring in vegetables. Of course we import a lot of fruit - ...

Source: AGF