Food price increases in 2012 are set to come down slightly from this year's levels, according to the latest figures from the US Department of Agriculture.
The price index for fresh fruit, which represents 3.3 per cent of all food by expenditure, is predicted to increase 2-3 per cent in 2011 and 1.5-2.5 per cent in 2012.
The price index for fresh vegetables, which represent 3.2 per cent of all food by expenditure, is predicted to increase 4.5-5.5 per cent in 2011 and 2.5-3.5 per cent in 2012.
Commenting on the overall consumer price index, the USDA said: 'While many inflationary pressures that drove prices up in 2011 are not expected to intensify and may even decrease in 2012, retailers have been slow to pass on cost increases to date. Price levels in 2012 will hinge significantly on weather conditions in the American Midwest during the remainder of July and into August and September 2011.'
In June fresh fruit prices came down 2 per cent, despite a 5.8 per cent rise in the price of bananas, and fresh vegetable prices dropped 1.6 per cent as a result of the seasonal shift away from crops affected by harsh winter weather.
