Understanding Unit Pricing.
What is Unit Pricing?
Unit Pricing shows the cost per unit of measure (e.g. per kilogram, per litre, per sheet, per item etc.).
Unit Pricing regulations come into effect from 31 August 2024, and you will notice that in store, our tickets will have changed to show you both the purchase price, and the unit price broken down into the above units depending on the product and the unit of measurement used.
Example of a ticket with Unit Pricing per 100 items:
In the example above you can see that the advertised purchase price for Tuffy Paper Towels 4 pack is $5.50, the unit of measure is per 100 items, so the Unit Price is displayed as $5.50 per 100 item.
Why is Unit Pricing Important?
Unit Pricing makes it easier to compare prices and find the best deals that fit your needs. Unit Pricing can help you:
- Compare promotional prices: e.g. cereal on special versus cereals with non-promotional pricing.
- Compare bulk bins with what’s on the shelf: e.g. rice and lentils compared to the pre-packaged versions on the shelf.
- Consider comparing fresh with frozen: e.g. strawberries, blueberries, carrots, or broccoli.
- Decide if convenience is worth it: e.g. packed sliced watermelon versus a whole watermelon.
Where can I expect to see Unit Pricing?
Unit Pricing will be displayed on regulated grocery products sold instore from 31 August 2024. Regulated grocery products sold online are required to display unit pricing from 31 August 2025.
Most grocery products will display Unit Pricing unless they are exempt or an exception applies. For example, alcohol products do not need to display unit pricing nor do individual products that are not sold by volume, weight, length or area (e.g. a toothbrush).
Most grocery retailers that have a floor space of more than 1,000 square metres will display unit pricing.
Examples of unit pricing in store:
Unit pricing can make comparisons easier allowing you to make a more informed choice when you do your regular grocery shop.
For example:
Categories specifically addressed in regulations
Our stores are required to display Unit Pricing for all regulated grocery products. This means all grocery products other than products that fall within an exemption.
For products that fall into one of the following categories, the Unit Price must be worked out using the applicable unit of measure set out below:
Category |
Unit of Measure |
| Meat or seafood sold by weight | Per kilogram (/1kg) |
| Fruit or vegetables sold by weight | Per kilogram (/1kg) |
| Herbs, spices, powered sauces, or powdered stocks. | Per 10 grams (/10g) |
| Flavouring essences or food colouring | Per 10 millilitres (/10ml) |
| Beverages | Per litre (/1L) |
| Nappies | Per nappy (ea) |
| Pet products (other than food) sold by weight | Per kilogram (/1kg) |
| Pet products (other than food) sold by volume | Per litre (/1L) |
| Toilet paper and paper towels with perforated sheets | Per 100 sheets (/100 sheets) |
Generic Categories
For any other products, the Unit Price must be worked out using the applicable unit of measure set out below:
Category |
Unit of Measure |
| A product sold by volume | Per 100 millilitres (/100ml) |
| A product sold by weight | Per 100 grams (/100g) |
| A product sold by length | Per metre (/1m) |
| A product sold by area | Per square metre (/1sqm) |
| A product sold by number of items, if displayed purchase price is for 40 or fewer items | Per item (ea) |
| A product sold by number of items, if displayed purchase price is for more than 40 items | Per 100 items (/100) |
Please note that all products and prices used on this page are illustrative only and do not reflect the current purchase price or unit price of a product.
Who can I speak to if I think an item has incorrect Unit Pricing?
If you think something is not quite right, please inform a store employee or manager. They can verify the price and correct any errors.
What if I want to give feedback about Unit Pricing?
Speak to any of the team who can assist by logging feedback in store. Alternatively, you can contact our Four Square North Island Customer Support team 0800 477 827
Look for unit prices on our shelf tags and labels to make informed choices!
Want to know more about Unit Pricing?
Commerce Commission Grocery: Commerce Commission - Grocery (comcom.govt.nz)
Unit Pricing Legislation: Consumer Information Standards (Unit Pricing for Grocery Products) Regulations 2023 (SL 2023/185) – New Zealand Legislation
A cool article about unit pricing: How to save money at the supermarket with unit pricing - Consumer NZ