Demand for ham, lechon up - DA

The demand for lechon and ham has increased amid preparations for the holidays, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

- By BELLA CARIASO

"The holiday season has started. Since the start of 'Ber season, the orders for lechon and ham have picked up. The demand has increased," Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said yesterday in an interview.

De Mesa assured consumers of enough supply of pork despite the impact brought by the outbreaks of African swine fever.

"We want to assure that the supply of pork, including chicken is good after the stakeholders guarantee enough stocks of livestock," De Mesa said.

Based on monitoring of the DA, the retail price of pork shoulder ranged between P280 and P360 per kilo; pork belly, between P330 and P400 per kilo; whole chicken, between P160 and P220 per kilo; beef rump, between P410 and P490 per kilo; beef brisket, between P320 and P460 per kilo and medium-sized eggs, between P6 and P8 per piece.