2009-12-15
REDUCTION IN CHICKEN PARTS PRICE FOR CHRISTMAS
Consumers islandwide will benefit from a 19% - 20% reduction in the price of chicken parts (leg and breast quarters) between December 18 and 24, as Government moves to ensure that the society’s most vulnerable are provided with a cheaper source of protein during the Christmas period.
Making this announcement at a joint press conference held at Jamaica House today, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Karl Samuda and the Minister of Agriculture, Christopher Tufton said 250-thousand kg. of chicken parts have been earmarked for distribution islandwide at a concessionary price to consumers.
Minister Samuda explained that the concessionary price follows discussions between both Ministries and the two main processors – Jamaica Broilers and Caribbean Broilers. He said the processors indicated that they have adequate supplies to meet the increased demand for chicken meat during the Christmas season.
To facilitate a price reduction to consumers, he said, the processors agreed to take a 10% - 12% margin cut, while the distributors agreed on a 7-1/2 price margin reduction. Combined, this represents a price decrease of $46 - $54 per kilo (or 19% - 20%) to consumers purchasing amounts of 5kg. or more of chicken parts.
Giving a background, Agriculture Minister Tufton noted that in previous years, the Yuletide peak demand for chicken had necessitated importation of the product. He said, however, that the approach this year will ensure that Jamaican farmers and processors can take off their excess stocks, while providing a benefit to consumers.