The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday released the price guide for noche buena products ahead of the holiday season.
In an advisory, DTI reported a price increase in 195 out of 223 stock-keeping units (SKUs) or noche buena product variants including ham, queso de bola, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, mayonnaise, pasta, elbow macaroni, salad macaroni, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and cream.
Of the 195, DTI price adjustment shows that 94 SKUs have increased their prices by more than 10 percent, 50 items rose prices by 1 to 5 percent, and 51 products ranged between 6 to 10 percent.
Prices of ham products now range from Php 163 to Php 892.50 as compared to last year with Php 158 to Php 862.50.
Fruit cocktails price ranges increased between Php 56 to Php 288; cheese from Php 54.35 to Php 371; and queso de bola from Php 199.50 to Php 513.75.
Other NB products with new price ranges are as follows:
- Mayonnaise - Php 24 to Php 234.15
- Sandwich spread - Php 26 to Php 252
- Spaghetti - Php 25 to Php 111
- Elbow macaroni - Php 23 to Php 119
- Salad macaroni - Php 39 to Php 117
- Spaghetti sauce- Php 23.55 to Php 95.50
- Tomato sauce - Php 7.25 to Php 92.25
- Cream - Php 63 to Php 75
DTI noted that noche buena items are not categorized as Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPC) under Republic Act 75181, as amended by RA. 1062, hence there is an implementation of a price hike.
“The DTI is in constant dialogue with BNPC manufacturers and seasonal products such as the NB products to ensure that consumers can access low-cost staples in the market,” it added.
Earlier, DTI Asec. Ann Cabochan admitted that the trade department does not have control or authority to regulate the prices of noche buena.
She explained that manufacturers of NB can impose a price adjustment without seeking the department's approval.
