The prediction comes from the Foodservice Pricing Index, and annual report compiled by supply chain management firm Prestige Purchasing. It forecasts wholesale food prices to rise by 4 percent, while soft drink and hot beverage prices will increase 2 percent.

The report said the low dairy prices seen throughout 2016 could push more farmers out of the market, eventually leading to prices increases. It said the wholesale price of butter had already doubled in the last few months because of low levels of milk production.

Pork prices, which were high in 2016 because of higher export levels to China, are expected to settle as the domestic market there recovers from the ill effect of El Nino.

Meanwhile salmon prices are expected to slowly decline as stocks start to recover from a bad year caused by disease.

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