Lower chicken prices...‘once situation improves’

Chief Executive Officer of the Arima Discount Mart (ADM) Import/Export Distributors Ltd, Balliram Maharaj, has accused meat farmers of embarking on a deliberate strategy to cut back on production as a means of controlling the price of meat in order to make a profit. Outlining his views on the present state of the poultry and pork industry in TT, Maharaj stated that the cut in production was too “drastic” thereby creating a shortage on the market and ultimately a high increase in prices. As a result, supermarket owners are being “abused” by frustrated customers. He revealed that the Supermarkets’ Assoc-iation of TT (SATT) had spoken to members of the Poultry Association concerning a large supermarket chain that is allegedly selling chicken parts for less than the wholesalers.

Upon investigation, he said, it was disclosed that there was a clause in the contract which allowed Arawak to change its prices. “Due to their failure to change these prices, supermarket owners who purchase from Nutrimix and Fine Choice are now faced with unfair competition,” Maharaj alleged. “In the meantime,” he went on, “certain distributors are now importing chicken, paying 40 percent duty and selling it for less than the local market price.” He noted that a number of importers had written to Trade Minister Ken Valley, asking to have the duty on poultry removed as a temporary measure. However, he said, they are certain that this will meet with strong objection from the local poultry farmers. Additionally, Maharaj revealed that turkey parts were now being imported and sold at less than $5 per pound, despite the fact that it carries 131 percent duty and surcharge.