Signs food won't get cheaper any time soon

Stats NZ's released data showing food prices lifted 4.6-percent - in the 12 months to June.

Red meat, cheese and milk had double-digit increases - and butter has more than doubled on a decade ago.

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says some households can't even afford the most basic food items.

He says the Reserve Bank will be nervous about the intense pricing pressure.

Olsen says we're still in a tough position likely to last a while longer - even with better signs on the horizon.