The guide includes prices for 236 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) from 22 Noche Buena manufacturers across 12 categories: ham, queso de bola, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, all-purpose cream, mayonnaise, pasta noodles, elbow and salad macaroni, tomato and spaghetti sauce.

“Aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote consumer rights and responsibilities, this year’s Noche Buena Price Guide demonstrates the DTI’s commitment to empowering Filipino families to make informed choices,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

“By publishing this price guide, the DTI urges consumers to compare prices and select products that best fit their budget and preferences for the holiday season,” she added.

The prices of ham ranges from PHP 170.00 to PHP 928.50; queso de bola from PHP 210.00 to PHP 445.00; fruit cocktail from PHP 61.76 to PHP 302.50; cheese from PHP 56.50 to PHP 310.00; mayonnaise from PHP 20.40 to PHP 245.85; all-purpose cream from PHP 36.50 to PHP 72.00; sandwich spread from PHP 27.00 to PHP 263.60; pasta/spaghetti from PHP 32.00 to PHP 114.00; elbow macaroni from PHP 30.50 to PHP 126.25; tomato sauce from PHP 16.50 to PHP 92.85; salad macaroni from PHP 36.50 to PHP 126.25, and spaghetti sauce from PHP 28.50 to PHP 103.00.

Moreover, the DTI assures consumers that the prices listed in the Noche Buena Price Guide will remain effective until December 31 to ensure access to reasonably priced products through Media Noche.

The trade chief also noted that many essential Noche Buena items have remained at their 2023 prices, while others have even decreased.

This price stability is reflected in 121 SKUs, including holiday staples like certain brands of ham, fruit cocktail, queso de bola, sandwich spread, cheese, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and all-purpose cream.

Additionally, the 13 SKUs with price reductions include select brands of mayonnaise, pasta, elbow macaroni, salad macaroni, and all-purpose cream.

To help consumers easily identify the Noche Buena Price Guide, the DTI has retained its markers: a star indicates no price change, while a Christmas tree symbol highlights decreased prices.

The DTI advised consumers to check expiration dates to ensure product quality and consider bulk purchases for potential cost savings per unit. Additional special promotions and discounts may be available, offering further opportunities to save.

For complete details on the 2024 Noche Buena Price Guide, visit the DTI website and social media platforms.

The DTI will closely monitor Noche Buena item prices nationwide, and consumers can support this effort by reporting any cases of overpricing in groceries or supermarkets.  If items priced above the guide, consumers may report them to the 1-DTI hotline (1-384) or email consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios

As Christmas holiday draws near, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released the list of Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) of Noche Buena staples for the information and guidance of consumers on November 11, 2020.

The price guide covers frequently consumed products during the holiday season in the country such as ham, fruit cocktail, queso de bola, cheese, sandwich spread, mayonnaise, pasta—spaghetti noodles, elbow, and salad macaroni—spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and all-purpose cream.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez reiterated that there is no need for any increase in the prices on the products that Filipinos buy for their family’s favorite noche buena celebration. Furthermore, the public is assured of the availability of supply and stability of the prices of these items.

Meanwhile, Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said in a text message to the media, “All these Noche Buena products will revert to 2019 prices by Dec. 15 to 31, considering the current financial situation of the consumers in light with the pandemic.”

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.