Fruit and vegetable prices ease

United Fresh president Jerry Prendergast says the fall in prices during May was not unexpected with plenty of fresh, seasonal produce harvested.

"The industry has worked hard to get our supply volumes back up after heavy rain disrupted the normal planting cycle across many parts of the North Island.

"With May being one of the warmest months on record, this also contributed to producing a reasonable supply," he says.

"The fruit and vegetable market has always fluctuated with supply and demand and this year has been no exception. Now that supply has improved, we're seeing prices return to a 'new normal'."

Prendergast says while prices are higher than previous years it is a decrease on the last few months. He is also hoping that the weather will play ball for the rest of the year.

Shortages in some produce categories, such as kūmara, saw the FPI increase steeply this year.

"It's a huge relief to see good news for consumers," Prendergast adds.

"Budgets are tight, but choosing healthy options is so important for the wellbeing of the whole whānau.”

He adds that growers have been pleased to see shoppers taking the opportunity to experiment with different types of fresh produce if their favourite is in short supply.

"Hopefully many of the new recipes and flavour combinations they've tried will remain part of the regular family meal repertoire."