New Zealand's grocery landscape in 2025 at NZ grocery stores reflects a mix of easing inflation, shifting shopper behaviour, and long-awaited price drops in key fresh produce categories. While food inflation is finally stabilising, many households still feel the pinch when shopping at New Zealand supermarkets - and as a result, Kiwis are shopping smarter, comparing more, and changing how they buy at grocery stores.

1. Food inflation has cooled - but prices are still historically high at NZ Grocery Stores

Stats NZ data shows inflation falling from its 2023 peak of ~12% down to around 3-4% in 2024-2025 at NZ grocery stores. But this does not mean prices returned to pre-pandemic levels when shopping at supermarket chains.

  • Dairy remains one of the most expensive categories at grocery stores in NZ.
  • Meat prices dropped slightly but remain far above 2021 levels at New Zealand grocery stores.
  • Imported packaged foods stay high due to global shipping costs at NZ stores.

So while inflation is easing, the total cost of a weekly shop at NZ grocery stores is still elevated - explaining why deal-hunting is now mainstream in most Kiwi households shopping at supermarkets.

2. Fresh produce finally became cheaper at NZ Grocery Stores

2024-2025 saw the biggest drop in NZ fruit and vegetable prices in years at grocery stores. Stats NZ recorded strong declines in:

  • Avocados
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Potatoes
  • Carrots

After years of $6 lettuces, Kiwi families are again planning meals around seasonal produce from New World supermarket NZ and other NZ shops - with much more confidence.

3. The rise of the "Hybrid Shopper" at NZ Grocery Stores

Only around 30% of shoppers now buy everything from a single supermarket.

  • Checking specials online first before visiting grocery stores
  • Buying different categories at different NZ grocery stores
  • Mixing supermarket shopping with fruit/veg shops, butchers, and online bulk stores
  • Using price-comparison apps like NZ Grocery Saver for New Zealand grocery shopping

This is the biggest behavioural shift since COVID and is now the new "normal" shopping pattern at NZ grocery stores for 2025.

4. Store brands are now the default choice at NZ Grocery Stores

Supermarkets report record levels of private-label adoption at NZ grocery stores - in some categories, 40-50% of sales.

Kiwis are happily switching to store brands at grocery stores for:

  • Milk & cheese
  • Pasta & tinned goods
  • Baking ingredients
  • Frozen vegetables

The average saving at NZ grocery stores: 20-40% per item.

5. Meat reduction is now price-driven at NZ Grocery Stores

Surveys show Kiwis are cutting back on beef and lamb at NZ grocery stores, not for health or environmental reasons, but purely due to cost when shopping at supermarket chains.

  • More households are choosing chicken or mince over steak at grocery stores in NZ
  • Legumes and frozen vegetables are replacing fresh meat in recipes from NZ shops
  • "One meat-free night a week" is now common for New Zealand grocery shoppers

6. Bulk-buying is back and stronger than ever at NZ Grocery Stores

With Costco's expansion and supermarket bulk aisles growing, families are collaborating more on bulk deals at NZ grocery stores.

  • Rice & pasta
  • Flour & sugar
  • Cleaning products
  • Pet food

Many are even sharing large purchases between extended family groups when shopping at supermarket New Zealand locations.

7. Loyalty apps and personalised pricing now influence every shop at NZ Grocery Stores

Supermarkets are pushing digital-only deals harder than ever at NZ grocery stores:

  • App-only specials at grocery stores
  • Personalised coupons for New Zealand grocery shopping
  • Spend-to-unlock rewards at NZ stores
  • Challenge-based bonus points across supermarket chains

Shoppers now "game the system" at grocery stores - which is why tools like NZ Grocery Saver continue to grow rapidly for New Zealand supermarkets.