Major brands vow to maintain prices for ‘noche buena’ goods
SEVERAL manufacturers of food products traditionally used for the Christmas eve feast, or noche buena, have committed not to raise prices this year, according to the Trade department.
Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, in a mobile message to reporters on Friday, said companies behind major brands such as Lady’s Choice, Clara Ole, Alaska, and UFC will keep prices stable amid the economic crisis prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Lady’s Choice is a spreads and dressings brand from Unilever Philippines, while UFC is a catsup brand from Nutri-Asia, Inc. Clara Ole is a company selling tomato and spaghetti sauces, and Alaska Milk Corp. sells condensed milk.
Meat processors CDO Foodsphere Inc., Virginia Food, Inc., and Century Pacific Food Inc. will also refrain from price increases, Mr. Lopez said.
“(We are) expecting more brands to join the move to keep prices stable,” he said.
The Trade department last month said it was evaluating applications from food companies to increase the prices of goods to cover higher operating costs.
Mr. Lopez had advised consumers to select “value for money” products. — Jenina P. Ibañez
