Big cost increases

Press, 23 October 1980, Page 10

Big cost increases

The cost of our shopping basket has risen $5.61, the biggest increase in. 11 months. Twelve of our items were more expensive than last month, four of these being basic foods: butter, margarine, eggs, and bread. From Monday, bread rose 2c a loaf or pack. Eggs rose 4c a dozen in the South Island (except Nelson and Marlborough where they are up 5c a dozen) and a carton of No. 6s is now $1.29. Butter increased from 79c to 87c a 500 g pack, which is expected to be nearer $1 by Christmas. One reason for the bread price rise is an increase of $35 a tonne for flour. This will show up soon on shop shelves, not only in higher prices for packaged flour but in other products made from flour.

However, Mr Doug Beardsley, of Ernest Adams, says that a lot of baking for, Christmas has already been done, and that the price of his firm’s goodies are unlikely to rise before January. Retailers are already stocking up on Christmas cakes. .. . . ?

The prices of biscuits will rise . again soon and one brand is expected to lead early next month with an increase of 2c to 3c a packet. River Valley margarine rose 10c a pot last week; the maximum retail price is now $1.22- Miracle and Meadowlea are expected to follow suit but have not moved yet. Vegemite prices increased about 6 per cent at the beginning of the month, but this product- is

still cheaper than Marmite. The maximum retail price of 235 g glasses is now $1.13, while that of 470 g jars is $2.07, GMarmite is $1.26 and $2.20 respectively.) Last week. Bluebird and Smiths potato .chips rose 3c a 30c bag, and 11c an 89c bag. Lever’s has increased the price of its products

about Ic to 4c a unit, and both the soap powder and detergent used in our basket rose slightly. The maximum price of economy packs of Rinso is now $l.Bl, and that of 900 m! of Sunlight detergent $2.05. Toothpastes manufactured by Lever’s, Signal and Pepsodent, increased about 4c a tube.