By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Prices of meat products are expected to slightly increase amid higher production cost of meat processors, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Monday, Nov. 6.
According to DTI Assistant Secretary Mary Grace Pacheco, the production cost of meat processors increased by 15% to 20% ahead of the Christmas season.
Despite this, Pacheco said only a minimal adjustment in the prices of meat products would be seen during the holiday season.
“Sabi ng meat processors, ang itinaas daw ng kanilang production cost is 15–20%,” Pacheco said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program on Monday.
“Pero dahil daw po gusto din naman nila na ang mga Pilipino ay maging masaya, so mababa lang po…parang 0–4% percent iyong [itinaas ng] some of the meat products, very minimal,” she added.
Pacheco also stressed that not all meat products, particularly ham varieties, will be increasing in price.
“Napakadami ng klase ng hamon… Hindi po lahat ng hamon ay tumaas base sa aming pag-monitor,” she stressed.
The DTI is set to release a price guide for consumers and retailers in buying Noche Buena products upon meeting with manufacturers. – cf
