Cost of living pressures force families to reduce spending on fruit and vegetables
New data from the New Zealand government has revealed that consumers across the country have reduced their fruit and vegetable consumption as they manage financial pressures.
According to RNZ, a Ministry of Social Development social cohesion report highlighted how New Zealanders were trying to save money, noting that the number of people cutting back on fresh fruit and vegetables had increased from 23.3 percent in 2018 to 47.7 percent in 2023.
Two-thirds of Pacific people reported they were doing this in 2023, as well as 55 percent of Maori and 59.3 percent of Asian people.
More than 60 percent of single-parent families were reducing spending on fruit and vegetables to save money, according to the report.
The report noted that the number of people without adequate incomes has increased since 2023. This factor has been compounded by the rising price of fresh produce.
According to Stats NZ, the price of fruit and vegetables was up 8.9 per cent in the 12 months to August 2025.
