Chicken prices on hold

The current price of chicken will remain at $7.08 per pound, subject to any changes to cost of inputs according to the Poultry Association of TT. The current price list was accepted on Wednesday (July 16) by the Ministers of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs during a meeting with Arawak Company Limited, Mastermix Feeds Ltd, Supermix Feeds Ltd and WGM Ltd.

As a result, the wholesale price of live broilers to customers at depots now stands at $4.50, while processed chicken at supermarkets is priced at $6. Chicken parts will increase relative to supply and demand, it was further revealed. Also arising from Wednesday’s meeting, the decision was taken to ban imported chicken in the future and to put in place a proper structure for any further price increases. The Poultry Association further distanced itself from what it called any “further negative impact” arising from recent reports from Nutrimix Feeds Limited, saying that its members were not responsible for the recent negative media reports. Last week, Nutrimix Feeds Limited placed a two page advertisement in the daily newspapers, blaming Government for the increase in chicken prices due to a raise in the cost of inputs. Nutrimix was absent from Wednesday’s meeting. Nutrimix Vice President, Ronnie Mohammed, could not be reached for comment. The Poultry Association also advised that the Supermarket Association of TT, or any other organisation, is not authorised to act or make any statements on the Association’s behalf.