Season’s goodies price hike set

Consumers may have to stretch their budget a bit in the upcoming holiday season as the cost of Christmas groceries is scheduled to increase.

The Department of Trade and Industry or DTI said Tuesday that the prices of 152 out of 240 Christmas products will increase this year from last year as per the Noche Buena Price Guide released by the agency.

The DTI said the price hike was suggested by manufacturers to retailers and will be effective until 31 December.

The latest price guide covers ham, fruit cocktail, cheese, keso de bola, mayonnaise, all-purpose cream, sandwich spread, pasta/spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce and salad macaroni.

As such, the DTI called on consumers to exercise comparison in shopping and consider all options, check the labels of the products before purchasing, inspect the quality to avoid counterfeit items, and watch out for discounts.

Under Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, the DTI is mandated to issue the suggested retail prices of goods for the information and guidance of manufacturers, distributors and consumers.