The cost of food appears to show no signs of easing

Infometrics-Foodstuffs New Zealand Grocery Supplier Cost Index has revealed an average 2.5 % increase in what suppliers charged in October compared to a year earlier.

Annual grocery supply cost inflation is the highest it's been since July last year, but still well below the 10-percent spike we saw three years ago.

Global demand for protein is pushing up prices for fish, beef and lamb, and chocolate's continuing to get more expensive.

But higher demand for dairy has seen butter prices ease.