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 11 November 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 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.   

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. 

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 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 on 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.♦

Date of Release: 13 November 2020