• CHERYL G. CRUZ
There have been increases in the prices of some Noche Buena items, especially ham, compared to last year, the Department of Trade and Industry in Negros Occidental said Dec. 6.
Kenneth Villarosa, senior trade industry development specialist of DTI-NegOcc’s Consumer Protection Unit, said during a media forum that the increase in prices, depending on brand and variety, ranges from P1 to P30 for ham; fruit cocktail, P1.25 to P17.67; cheese, P2.60 to P12.10; pasta, P0.50 to P9.25; and spaghetti sauce, P0.45 to P21, among others.
“Based on the submitted prices from NB manufacturers, there have been increases compared to the previous year, attributed to the rise in global prices of raw materials, such as meat, sugar, cheese curd, soybean, wheat, and tomato paste, in the packaging materials, labor, energy, and distribution costs,” Villarosa said, adding that most of these price adjustments have been in effect for several months already.
He added that, of the 236 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) across 12 categories, or Noche Buena items, price increases have been monitored among 101 SKUs, no price change for 121 other SKUs, while more than 10 logged a decrease in prices.
There is no price change for queso de bola, as well as sandwich spread, and the cheese products of some brands, while mayonnaise logged a decrease, as per the price guide that is in effect until Dec. 31, 2024.
Villarosa also said that no SKU is above the price guide, or overpriced, based on the initial monitoring conducted by the local DTI on 85 retailers. “The DTI Negros Occidental closely monitors Noche Buena item prices across the province. Consumers can support this initiative by reporting any case of overpricing in groceries and supermarkets.”
He also urged consumers to make it a habit to compare, examine, and review different options before making a purchase; always check the labels, for expiration date and price tag; inspect the quality of products to avoid counterfeit Noche Buena items; buy from trusted stores; and to watch out for discounted and promotional products.
Engiemar Tupas, division chief of the DTI Consumer Protection Unit and Business Development Unit, meanwhile, said that items in a Christmas gift pack found to be beyond their expiry date should be returned to the store. “You can always return the item, anytime, pag indi batunon, that’s a violation of the Consumer Act.”
He also urged consumers to buy and patronize products from Negros to help the micro and small businesses in the province. | CGC
