DTI assures prices and supply of Noche Buena goods stable
The supply and prices of Noche Buena products will remain stable despite an increase in demand, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Thursday, citing the assurance given by the private sector.
"Several manufacturers assured adequate supply and stability in prices for the coming season, mainly due to the very tight competition among various brands fighting for market shares," Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
Lopez issued the statement after meeting manufacturers and retailers on the price and supply situation of Noche Buena products ahead of the holiday season.
"This is competition at play. Even in the ham category, products are so competitive that discounts are being given and several variants that serve different market segments are being offered at affordable pricing," Lopez said.
"Several meetings with Noche Buena product players also confirmed that there will be no price increase for pasta, sauces, cheese, ham, and canned tuna until December 2017," the department noted.
The DTI said consumers may check its online price monitoring platform e-Presyo to have an idea about retail prices of Noche Buena products.
The government earlier prompted shopping mall operators to help ease traffic congestion during the Yuletide season by modifying their operating hours to 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.