By Sue-Ann Wayow
You will pay more for eggs from today.
A release by The Association of Trinidad and Tobago Table Egg Producers stated that due to an immediate increase in feed prices by over 6%, it has taken the unavoidable decision to increase its suggested wholesale prices across Trinidad and Tobago by 10% with immediate effect.
Vice President of the Association, Dennis Ramsingh listed the reasons for the increase which include:
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A 5% increase in chicks and additional increases in freight;
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A high increase in vaccines, medication and vitamin supplements;
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An almost 20% increase in plastic packages over a period of time;
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An almost 100% increase in cartons and boxes;
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An almost 100% increase in vehicular maintenance and housing maintenance; and
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Huge increases in litter/sawdust.
Ramsingh said, “It has become unbearable for local producers to absorb these costs, which we have continuously done over a period of time. Our increase can be somewhere between $1.50 to $2.00 per dozen table eggs. We will continue to strive in keeping our produce affordable and accessible to Trinidad and Tobago and are also aware that many personnel take to the forefront to increase even greater, taking advantage of a headline reading ‘egg to cost more’.”
Last Friday, Master Mix Feeds announced that from Monday, their prices will be increased stating that additional increases to the prices of grains and other ingredients, freight and operating expenses were all reasons for the increase.
