Food prices fell 0.2 percent in December 2018. After seasonal adjustment, they rose 0.5 percent.

In December 2018 compared with November 2018:

• fruit and vegetable prices fell 1.1 percent (down 0.6 percent after seasonal adjustment)

• meat, poultry, and fish prices rose 0.2 percent

• grocery food prices rose 0.1 percent (up 0.5 percent after seasonal adjustment)

• non-alcoholic beverage prices fell 2.6 percent

• restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices rose 0.2 percent.

Food prices increased 1.0 percent in the year ended December 2018.

In December 2018 compared with December 2017:

• fruit and vegetable prices decreased 6.1 percent

• meat, poultry, and fish prices increased 3.8 percent

• grocery food prices increased 1.4 percent

• non-alcoholic beverage prices decreased 0.2 percent

• restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices increased 2.9 percent.