Food prices dropped in the month of April 2009 by 0.6 percent following rises in the previous three months.  On the year, prices are still up by 7.6 percent.  Not wanting to sound like a broken record, annual prices are unlikely to turn negative until at least September 09, when the dreaded 2.8 percent monthly increase of August 2008 falls out of the calculations.

Prices were down on the month across all groups except for restaurant meals and ready-to-eat foods, which were up by 0.4 percent.  Fruit and veg prices were down 2.0 percent and non-alcoholic beverages prices were down 0..9 percent.  Grocery food prices fell for the second month in a row (by 0.4 percent) after 21 months of increases.

Fruit and vegetable prices are well down this month.  Kiwifruit is down almost 55 percent, carrots are over 13 percent cheaper, brocolli is down 17 percent and lettuce is down close to seven percent.

On the year, all sub-groups recorded increases.  Grocery foods were up 6.7 percent.  Meat, poutry and fish prices wer up 11.5 percent, while fruit and vegetable prices were up 9.9 percent.

Looking at individual items, the greatest increases on the year have come from ready-to-eat-foods (up 5.3 percent), bread (up 12.8 percent), beef (up 12.5 percent) and soft-drinks (up 7.2 percent).

Pity the carnivores.  Bacon is almost 20 percent dearer than a year ago; beef is up 12.5 percent and fresh chicken is up 11.9 percent.

On the bright side, cheddar cheese, butter  and tomatoes are down over 15 percent on a year earlier.  Recipe of the month - cheese and tomato toasties.  Take four slices of white bread and butter them one side.  place two slices on a toastie machine (butter on the outside).  Add grated cheese and sliced tomato.  Top with the remaining two slices of bread.  Toast.  Enjoy.  (i would wait a couple of minutes after toasting as those upper palate burns are frustrating.  Also eat tons of kiwifruit (unless the hail has hit prices), which should keep you regular!!