Kumara and pumpkin prices soar to record high as poor conditions have 'huge' impact

December 13, 2017

There is some good news, however, with strawberries a lot cheaper.

The price of pumpkin has risen to record prices, with a 176 per cent rise in the year to November 2017. 

Statistics New Zealand today said pumpkin and kumara went through a higher-than-usual increase in price this year, despite both typically being more expensive during November. 

Consumer prices manager Matthew Haigh said "poor growing conditions due to the wet weather early this year had a huge impact on the supply of pumpkin and kumara". 

"Pumpkin prices have reflected lower supply, with dramatic price increases in the last three months, while kumara prices increased more steadily through the year."

Kumura prices rose 83 per cent in the year to November 2017 and reached a record price of $8.99/kg, compared to November 2017 when prices sat at $4.92/kg. 

A rise in vegetable and fruit prices, as well as a 2.3 per cent increase in ready-to-eat-food (like biscuits and cakes) saw food prices increase 2.3 per cent in the year to November 2017. 

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