Pizza lovers across New Zealand may have noticed a sharp increase in Pizza Hut’s menu prices this week. Just last week, a large Ham & Cheese pizza was priced at $5.99 – it is now $10.99, marking a $5.00 increase. Similar hikes are seen across the board, with Classic Cheese jumping from $6.99 to $10.99, Pepperoni from $6.99 to $11.99, and Hawaiian from $7.19 to $11.99.
Price Comparison: Before and After
| Pizza Type | Old Price | New Price | Increase | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ham & Cheese | $5.99 | $10.99 | +$5.00 | 83.47% |
| Classic Cheese | $6.99 | $10.99 | +$4.00 | 57.22% |
| Pepperoni | $6.99 | $11.99 | +$5.00 | 71.53% |
| Hawaiian | $7.19 | $11.99 | +$4.80 | 66.76% |
| Beef & Onion | $7.99 | $11.99 | +$4.00 | 50.06% |
| Classic Veggie | $7.59 | $11.99 | +$4.40 | 57.97% |
| Cheesy Garlic | $8.69 | $12.99 | +$4.30 | 49.49% |
| Americano | $8.99 | $12.99 | +$4.00 | 44.49% |
| Bacon & Aioli | $8.99 | $12.99 | +$4.00 | 44.49% |
These price hikes are not occurring in isolation. Recent inflation data from Stats NZ confirms that food prices in New Zealand surged by 1.9% in January 2025, the biggest monthly increase since 2022. Reports from NZ Herald and RNZ highlight how everyday groceries, including milk, chocolate, and soft drinks, have become more expensive. The price of a 2-litre bottle of milk rose from $3.93 to $4.54, while a 250g block of chocolate jumped from $4.90 to $5.72. Additionally, 65% of food items have increased in price, with 20% seeing a jump of more than 5% – the highest in five years.
What’s Driving the Price Surge?
The weaker New Zealand dollar is a major factor. RNZ reports that the NZD has depreciated by more than 5% against the USD in the past six months, making imported goods more expensive. Higher production and supply chain costs are also pushing up prices, affecting both fast food and supermarket goods.
The Bigger Picture
While businesses like Pizza Hut may be adjusting their pricing to match rising ingredient and operational costs, consumers are left feeling the pinch. With grocery and takeaway prices continuing to climb, many New Zealanders may have to rethink their dining budgets.
Have you noticed similar price increases at other restaurants or supermarkets? Let us know your thoughts.
