WELLINGTON, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's food prices surged 5 percent in the 12 months to August 2025, maintaining the pace set in July, the statistics department Stats NZ reported Tuesday.

The increase was largely driven by the grocery food group, particularly dairy products, which saw steep rises, Stats NZ said.

The average price for 2 liters of milk jumped 16.3 percent to 4.72 NZ dollars (2.81 U.S. dollars) for the cheapest available options, with cheese soaring 26.2 percent and butter climbing 31.8 percent, it said.

"Dairy products continue to be the main driver for the higher annual food prices," Stats NZ prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.

The price of 2 liters of milk has increased by 88 cents since December 2023, Growden said.

Meat, poultry, and fish posted the next largest group rise, up 8.1 percent year-on-year, led by beef steak, beef mince, and lamb leg, statistics show.

Meanwhile, national rent prices rose 2.1 percent in the year to August, the smallest annual jump since March 2011, Stats NZ said. ■