Meat processors say ham supply ‘stable’

Meat processors, particularly ham makers, assured the public of a stable supply of ham and other processed pork products throughout the holiday season, despite a looming shortfall of local pork.

Philippine Association of Meat Processors, Inc. (PAMPI) vice president Jerome Ong said the country’s meat processors have already anticipated and prepared for the usual surge in demand for holiday products like ham.

“In view of the looming shortage of pork during the holidays, most ham makers have already secured their raw materials needed to produce ham and other pork products. This is due to the industry’s experience  and ability to project its needed volumes throughout the year and especially during the Christmas season and understanding of the demand and consumption,” said Ong, who is also the CEO of Foodsphere, Inc., makers of CDO hams and meat products. Othel V. Campos

He added that hams have become a staple during Noche Buena and a regular part of Christmas gift-giving.

However, meat processors cannot ascertain if there will be price adjustments in the price Christmas hams, as prices of raw materials, including pork, have also increased during the previous months.

The Consumer Protection Group (CPG) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded ham producers that Christmas hams are still part of the Noche Buena SRP, and prices will have to be monitored. The DTI will ensure that manufacturers comply with the prices as provided for in the Noche Buena SRP Bulletin.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) have issued fair warning on the likelihood of pork supply shortage equivalent to a 10-day inventory that may occur during the height of the holidays season.

Pig raisers haves suffered a long, protracted battle against African Swine Fever. There are new areas of infection including the recent outbreak in 2 municipalities in Oriental Mindoro and about 98 barangays in 19 provinces with active cases of ASF, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The alleged shortfall has given rise to an opportunity for the UK pork traders to push for the extension of EO 134 which is bound to expire by end December 2023.

“Obviously with the forecast of shortages, this reinforces