Food prices in New Zealand increased in February by 0.2% over January, according to data published by Statistics NZ.

The rise was led by a 1.7% increase in non-alcoholic beverages driven by a 2.7% jump in prices for soft drinks. The meat, poultry and fish sub-group increased 0.8%.

For the full year to February, food prices in New Zealand increased 8.8%, with all five major subgroups higher, said Statistics NZ. The grocery group rose 9.1% on year; meat, poultry and fish was up 11%; and the fruit and vegetables group rose 12.1%.