WELLINGTON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand monthly food prices fell 0.9 percent in October compared with September, according to the statistics from Stats NZ on Thursday.

The fall was mostly attributed to the prices of vegetables, down 7.2 percent, which was partly offset by a rise in fruit prices, up 0.6 percent, Stats NZ said.

Vegetable prices have fallen 14.2 percent over the last two years, while fruit prices have risen by 8 percent, Stats NZ prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.

"In October, veggies were cheaper due to falling prices for tomatoes, cucumber, and capsicum, while apples, oranges, and bananas pushed up fruit prices," Growden said, adding overall, fruit and vegetable prices fell 4.1 percent in October.

Other items that have contributed to the monthly fall include instant coffee, yogurt, and potato crisps, which were partly offset by rising prices for standard two-liter milk and fruit juice, he said.

Annually, New Zealand food prices were up 1.2 percent in the 12 months to October, maintaining the same increase as the 12 months to September, statistics show.

The annual increase was driven by higher prices for restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food as well as grocery food, Stats NZ said.

However, fruit and vegetable prices fell 8.9 percent in the 12 months to October, it said. Enditem

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