An increase in overall food prices in New Zealand has been partly attributed to soaring fruit and vegetables prices, according to the country's latest food price index.

Statistics New Zealand reported that overall food prices increased 9.5 per cent for the year ended January 2009, and 0.8 per cent for January alone, Television New Zealand said. Fruit and vegetables led the yearly price increase, up 13.4 per cent.

The price of fruit and vegetables increased by 3.6 per cent in January, with tomatoes costing nearly 50 per cent more when compared with December's figures. Kiwifruit prices increased by 48.2 per cent during the month, with mandarin prices up 37.3 per cent.

These joined the likes of non-alcoholic beverages, grocery food and restaurant food in seeing a price increase during the month.

However, there was some decline in fresh produce prices during January, with apples down by 11.3 per cent on December and potato prices dropping 7.4 per cent.

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