2009-03-26

Consumer Alert Price Information Strategy Successful

Initiatives taken by the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce to stabilize basic food prices through consumer education have seen noticeable success in terms of price reduction by some retailers, while others have offered significant discounts, Mrs. Dolsie Allen, Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Affairs Commission, (CAC) has reported.

The CAC Head said the consumer education programme has resulted in a significant “decrease in the gap between the maximum and minimum prices” for these goods. She noted that the March 5 – 6 survey of food prices showed that some outlets had reduced their prices by as much as $113.95 per kg. for saltfish; $9.94 per kg. for whole chicken; $9.00 for condensed milk and $18.35 per kg. for bulk rice.

The Ministry’s Consumer Alert programme, launched in December last year, entails bi-monthly Media publication of the highest and the lowest prices offered by retailers, for ten (10) targeted basic food items. Similar publications are undertaken monthly for the gasoline industry. Mrs. Allen said the initiative has received marked support from consumers and retailers alike.  “People are using the information,” she said “and despite consumer loyalty to some brands, the overarching determination of purchase is the price at which goods are being sold.

In his message marking World Consumer Rights Day, Sunday, March 15 Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the Hon. Karl Samuda emphasized that “empowerment of people through education is the fundamental role of Government.”

Minister Samuda said, in this regard, he had mandated the CAC to expand its research activities to “include useful and pertinent information regarding availability and prices of basic food items.”  This, he pointed out, was part of his Ministry’s commitment to bringing stability to the marketplace, in order that consumers can make better choices when shopping for food items.