A sharp rise in food inflation could unfortunately be out of our control. 

Latest Stats NZ data reveals the rate's risen to 4.6% – well up on 4% a month ago. 

Fruit and vegetable prices have jumped 6.3% in the last year, and meat, poultry, and fish rose by 8.9%. 

Grocery Action Group Chair Sue Chetwin told Mike Hosking there's been a lot of uncontrollable factors impacting prices, like recent storm damage affecting crops. 

She says fresh fruit and vegetables should be at their cheapest at this time of year. 

LISTEN ABOVE