Nutrimix blames Govt for increase in chicken prices

Two weeks after Minister of Legal Affairs, Camille Robinson-Regis, called on consumers to boycott chicken in light of an alleged increase in prices, Nutrimix Feeds Limited has lashed out at the Minister, blaming Government for the increase.

In a full-page advertisement yesterday, the company noted that the current political campaigning has earned the sobriquet, “the silly season” in one area. “The area is the field of chicken prices,” the advertisement stated, “a handy and volatile issue that some politicos are whipping up to gain attention and votes.What they are suppressing and failing to disclose is that Government is to blame.” The advertisement went on further to describe certain “increases” which it maintained Government and its agencies had inflicted on the “dependable and stable chicken industry.” Among these was an increase of 12 percent in land rental from Plipdeco, a 14.3 percent increase in the minimum wage for an industry which was said to employ thousands, a 4.2 percent rise in natural gas, as well as a 9.95 increase in electricity.

It was also noted that as a result of an escalation in the level of crime in the country, notable robberies and kidnappings, businesses have been forced to step up their security expenditures by approximately 300 percent.  Additionally, Nutrimix Limited cited increases in plastic and packaging materials, insurance, lubricants and ocean freight, which is used to transport feed and ingredients.  Grain prices were said to have shown an increase as well, with corn rising by approximately 25.77 percent and soybean meal by 41.13 percent. Another local poultry supplier maintained that these increases did and continue to have an effect on the industry. However, he noted that the poultry industry was not the only one being affected since other businesses would also feel the pinch that increased security, insurance and freight costs among other things would cause. “We need to be able to handle charges and offer employment,” he said. He further expressed his belief that chicken prices had stabilised within the last week. In fact, he stated that the prices had “increased to what they are supposed to be,” and would very likely remain this way for some time to come. When contacted, Nutrimix Vice President, Ronnie Mohammed, noted that the company had opted to place the advertisement after being “viciously attacked” by the Minister on a political platform. “We also wanted the country to be aware that we are not responsible for the increased prices,” he added.

Mohammed reiterated that within the last two weeks, chicken prices had shown no increase. However, over the extended period of the past two months, the price had gone up due to a number of factors which, he explained, were listed on the advertisement. “All we are saying is that diplomacy should apply and that statements with respect to boycotting an entire industry should not be made. Discussions should be held with all the concerned parties to determine the facts first,” he asserted. “If a price increase is not justifiable, then such statements can be explained. However, we provided the necessary invoices to support the facts,” Mohammed said. The price of chicken presently stands at $6 per pound, he added. When Newsday attempted to contact Robinson-Regis at her offices, we were informed by her secretary that the Minister had requested a complete report from the Consumer Affairs Division and would make a statement forthwith.