The line graphs illustrate the changing patterns for prices on fresh fruits and vegetables, sugars and sweets, and carbonated drinks between 1978 and 2009.
Overall, there were notable differences in the price changes of consumer goods throughout the period. The prices on fresh fruits and vegetables, sugars and sweets, and carbonated drinks were similar, standing just over 50 from 1978 to 1987. Over a 32-year period, the proportion of price on fresh fruits and vegetables increased significantly, peaking at around 330 in the final period.
The figures for the price on sugar and sweets rose steadily in 1989, reaching 150 in 1999. It finished at 200 in 2009. Meanwhile, the pattern for carbonated drinks’ price climbed moderately to account for just over 150 from 1989 to 2009, remaining the lowest proportion among the others.
For the consumer-price index, the trend was steadily upward, reaching 150 in 1995, before ending at just over 200 in 2009, significantly higher than the price for sugar, sweets, and carbonated drinks.
It can be understood that there was a trend towards a dramatic increase in the price on fresh fruits and vegetables. Despite the increasing price for sugar, sweets, and carbonated beverages, it remained below the consumer-price index over the time frame.