MANILA, Philippines — More than 100 shelf-keeping units (SKUs) of Noche Buena products have posted price increases, based on the price guide released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
In a statement yesterday, the DTI said the price guide covers 236 SKUs of Noche Buena items across the following categories: ham, queso de bola, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, all-purpose cream, mayonnaise, pasta, elbow and salad macaroni, tomato and spaghetti sauce.
Select brands in all categories of Noche Buena items had price increases such as ham, which ranges from P170 to P928.50 depending on size, and queso de bola, whose prices range from P210 to P445.
Fruit cocktail is priced at P61.76 to P302.50 and cheese ranges from P56.50 to P310.
Prices for mayonnaise vary from P20.40 to P245.85, while sandwich spread costs P27 to P263.60.
For all-purpose cream, the prices range from P36.50 to P72.
The prices of pasta or spaghetti range from P32 to P114. Elbow macaroni costs P30.50 to P126.25, while salad macaroni has a price range of P36.50 to P126.25.
Tomato sauce prices range from P16.50 to P92.85, while spaghetti sauce costs P28.50 to P103.
Meanwhile, the DTI said 121 SKUs maintained their prices while 13 had price reductions.
The DTI said these prices will remain in place until Dec. 31.
Acting Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the Noche Buena price guide is intended to help Filipino families make informed choices.
“By publishing this price guide, the DTI urges consumers to compare prices and select products that best fit their budget and preferences for the holiday season,” Roque said.
The DTI also advised consumers to check expiration dates to ensure the quality of products being purchased.
Consumers are also encouraged to consider bulk purchases, as well as special promotions and discounts that may be available to achieve savings per unit.
The DTI will closely monitor the prices of Noche Buena items nationwide.
To report any cases of overpricing in groceries or supermarkets, consumers can call the 1-DTI hotline (1-384) or email consumercare@dti.gov.ph.