Canned goods manufacturers to seek price hike

Several manufacturers of canned goods will seek a price hike on their products following the increase in prices of ingredients and raw materials used in their production, Bernadette Reyes reported Tuesday on “24 Oras.”

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), manufacturers of sardines, canned meat, coffee, and evaporated milk will seek to increase prices from P0.50 to P5.

The DTI said they are still waiting for the documents from manufacturers which will justify the price increases.

Among the ingredients used by canned goods manufacturers is mechanically deboned meat (MDM), the prices of which have recently risen.

“Wala tayong MDM dito. So they import it. Nagmo-move yung presyo, so we want to verify from them also,” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.

Noche Buena item prices would also likely increase, given that these products are not considered essential items.

The DTI said it would release a new suggested retail price guide in the following weeks.

“We limit sana the price increases [in Noche Buena items]. Kung magi-increase sila ng presyo sana not more than 10%,” Castelo said.

Meanwhile, some manufacturers of ham would lower their prices from P20 to P284 depending on the ham’s weight.

The Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association Incorporated (PASAI) advised the public to use affordable goods during the coming holidays.

“Pwede namang staggered din. Pwedeng 2% ngayon, another 6% next time. Buy something which is affordable,” PASAI President Steven Cua said. — Richa Noriega/DVM, GMA News