Longitudinal study of Consumer Price Index (CPI) trends in core and non-core foods in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined trends in the price of healthy and less-healthy foods from 1989 to 2007 using the Australian Consumer Price Index (CPI).


METHODS
CPI food expenditure classes were classified as 'core' or 'non-core'. Trends in the CPI were analysed to examine the rise in prices of core compared with non-core foods.


RESULTS
On average, the CPI for core foods has risen at a slightly higher, though not statistically significant, rate than non-core foods. Furthermore, selected groupings reveal interesting patterns. 'Bread' has risen in price significantly more than 'cakes and biscuits', and 'milk' has risen in price significantly more than 'soft drinks, waters and juices'.


CONCLUSIONS
This investigation of food price trends reveals notable differences between core and non-core foods. This should be investigated further to determine the extent to which this contributes to the higher prevalence of diet-related diseases in low socio-economic groups.
Burns
Cate
C
WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention, Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. cate.burns@deakin.edu.au
Sacks
Gary
G
Gold
Lisa
L
D001315:Australia; D004032:Diet / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics*; D004467:Economics / Q000639:trends; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005249:Fees and Charges; D005382:Financing, Personal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005502:Food / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics*; D019649:Food Industry / Q000191:economics* / Q000639:trends; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007250:Inflation, Economic; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies