DTI releases SRP of ‘noche buena’ products

MANILA—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released the list of suggested retail prices (SRPs) of Noche Buena staples for information and guidance of consumers on November 11, 2020 in light of the Christmas season.

The price guide includes products such as ham, fruit cocktail, keso de bola, cheese, sandwich spread, mayonnaise, pasta—spaghetti noodles, elbow, and salad macaroni— spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and all-purpose cream.

“In the midst of the pandemic, the spirit of Christmas will continue to draw many of our consumers to buy their favorite noche buena products for their families to be served on their tables. Thus, the Department assures the public of the availability of supply and stability of prices of these items,” said DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.

Prior to the release, the DTI Consumer Protection Group reviewed the prices and the proposals of some companies for price increases. According to Mr. Lopez, during the Christmas season, DTI approves the SRPs of these products as they become necessary products and to protect the interest of the consumers. DTI conferred with manufacturers to evaluate the basis of any price adjustment and cost increases, if any, have to be proven. To the extent possible, with minimal cost movement, price increases are avoided, especially considering the pandemic situation now where many Filipinos are experiencing financial difficulties.

DTI undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo explained, “The process is not easy, but we appreciate the response of many companies as they want to show the bayanihan spirit by not increasing their Christmas products this year. We talked to each manufacturer to retain their 2019 prices for noche buena products.”

Secretary Lopez expressed, “The DTI extends its appreciation to the manufacturers for showing their solidarity in providing affordable noche buena products to the consumers this Christmas by committing to retain their 2019 prices for this year despite COVID- 19.”

In particular, the DTI expressed its gratitude to Alaska Milk Corporation, CDO Foodsphere, Inc., Century Pacific Food, Inc., Del Monte Philippines, Inc., Dole Philippines, Inc., Ideal Macaroni & Spaghetti Factory, Inc., King Sue Ham & Sausage Co., Inc., Kraft Foods Philippines, Inc., Modelez Philippines, Inc., Nestle Philippines, New Amigo Food Products Corp., New Zealand Creamery, Inc., NutriAsia, Inc., Philippine Leading Infinite Logistics, Inc., RFM Corporation, San Miguel Foods, SYSU International, Inc., Unilever Philippines, Inc, Universal Robina Corporation, Virginia Food, Inc. for maintaining their October 2019 SRPs. The DTI also highlighted that San Miguel Foods—Magnolia Inc. and Ideal Macaroni & Spaghetti Factory, Inc. even decreased the prices of their products, namely Magnolia Queso de Bola and Sunshine Spaghetti, by as much 5%.

Currently, the Noche Buena SRP Bulletin has a total of 241 shelf keeping units (SKUs). Christmas shoppers may use this to their advantage by referring to the list below. The list also includes the SRPs of Christmas staples in various sizes so the public may purchase based on their preference and needs.

 

Product	Unit	Price Range
Ham	500g	Php 135.00 – Php 189.00
	800g	Php 196.00 – Php 430.00
	1kg	Php 299.00 – Php 1,025.00
Fruit Cocktail	432g	Php 50.35 – Php 56.45
	3kg	Php 202.75 – Php 239.40
Cheese	165g	Php 49.50 – Php 89.00
	500g	Php 118.20 – Php 165.60
Keso de Bola	350g	Php 199.00 – Php 320.00
	500g	Php 279.50 – Php 410.00
	750g	Php 435.30 – Php 539.00
Sandwich Spread	200g	Php 72.00 – Php 85.00
	220ml (pouch)	Php 52.50 – Php 89.45
	220ml (jar)	Php 59.85 – Php 99.80
	470ml (jar)	Php 122.85 – Php 205.80
Mayonnaise	220ml (pouch)	Php 47.55 – Php 83.35
	470ml (jar)	Php 96.50 – 196.35
	700ml (jar)	Php 140.00 – 283.00
Pasta/Spaghetti	400g	Php 30.00 – Php 52.50
	500g	Php 55.00 – Php 73.00
	900g	Php 57.00 – Php 87.65
Elbow and Salad Macaroni	200g	Php 18.75 – Php 36.65
	400g	Php 31.00 – Php 58.05
	1kg	Php 64.00 – Php 98.65
Spaghetti Sauce	250g	Php 22.00 – Php 27.90
	500g	Php 42.00 – Php 57.70
	1kg	Php 60.70 – Php 84.20
Tomato Sauce	200g	Php 15.50 – Php 19.70
	1kg	Php 62.00 – Php 78.25
Creamer	250ml	Php 55.00 – Php 59.00
	370ml	Php 47.00 – Php 55.00

 

To avoid panic-buying and to ensure the safety and value for money, the public is advised to make a shopping list and to refer to the prices of said products before visiting their supermarket of choice. The DTI also reminds consumers to always observe minimum health protocols, such as the wearing face masks and face shields, and maintaining physical distancing.

Additionally, the DTI emphasizes consumers to practice their right to choose and to check for promotional goods or those sold in bundles in supermarkets and groceries.

 

The list of 2020 Noche Buena SRP Bulletin is uploaded in the DTI website which can be accessed through https://www.dti.gov.ph/konsyumer/e-presyo/.

To report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities and prime commodities above the SRPs, consumers may call the DTI Hotline at 1-384 (1-DTI) or email at ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph.