DTI NOTES PRICE HIKE IN NOCHE BUENA ITEMS
The Department of Trade and Industry has noted an increase in the prices of Noche Buena items. In its report, it said ham prices went from P503 to P552, fruit cocktails from P175 to P182, cheese from P173 to P194, queso de bola from P445 to P459, and mayonnaise from P156 to P164. “Yes, there’s definitely been an increase. I noticed that the ham got more expensive, having a P20 increase. The ham last year was cheaper,” shopper Stella Salas told SunStar while buying ham in a supermarket. More shoppers have been taking note of the increase in the last few days.
As shoppers prepare for the most awaited feast of the season, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has noted an increase in the prices of Noche Buena items.
In a report prepared by DTI, ham prices went from P503 to P552, fruit cocktails from P175 to P182, cheese from P173 to P194, keso de bola from P445 to P459, and mayonnaise from P156 to P164.
Meanwhile, shoppers are starting to take note of the increase in this year’s Noche Buena items.
“Yes there’s definitely been an increase. I noticed that the ham got more expensive, having a P20 increase. The ham last year was cheaper,” Stella Salas told SunStar while buying ham at a supermarket.
Isabel Perez also expressed her dismay at finding that the premium ham they usually buy during Christmas season had a higher price, from P700 to P800.
“The prices went up. I noticed a P10 increase in the price of ham,” said Emmy Lou Gavas while doing her groceries.
DTI-Central Visayas senior trade and industry development specialist Dinah Gladys Oro said that last month, the prices of ham, fruit cocktail, and sandwich spread increased this year. But she assured that no further increase will occur during the Christmas season.
Shoppers usually buy Noche Buena items such as ham, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, mayonnaise, keso de bola, pasta, spaghetti or tomato sauce, and cream.
Noche Buena is a traditional family dinner done by the Filipinos on the evening of Dec. 24, which some consider the biggest feast during Christmas season.