Canned sardine producers vow to keep prices steady

Canned sardine manufacturers meet with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) led by Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

MANILA, Philippines – Manufacturers of canned sardines, a staple in Filipino households, have assured the public that there will be no change in the prices of their products, in a bid to ease concerns over a feared price hike of P3 on the essential food item.

The assurance came after Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque met last Monday with members of the Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines (CSAP) led by Chattrade, Mega Prime Foods, Inc., PERMEX, Universal Canning Inc., and Century Pacific Food Inc. (CPFI).

The dialogue was prompted by reports that the industry planned to seek an increase in their suggested retail prices of a 155g can of sardines from PHP 21.00 to PHP 24.00, citing rising production costs.

“We appreciate the industry’s commitment to the Filipino consumer, especially with the economic pressures families are facing today,” Roque said in a statement.

“Their decision not to increase prices supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to keep basic goods affordable and ease the daily burden on consumers,” she added.

The DTI, through its Fair Trade Group (FTG), confirmed that it had not yet received a formal petition for a price adjustment but initiated the meeting to proactively address the issue.

Under the amended Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, the DTI monitors prices of canned fish, classified as a basic necessity. The Department assured the public that it will continue to keep a close watch on the market to ensure prices remain stable and fair./tad