In the Philippines, the retail cost of ginger has surged to P300 per kilo, a significant increase from previous figures. This rise is attributed to a shortfall in domestic production, necessitating imports to fulfill the demand. The country has initiated imports, with a notable amount already arriving, including from China. The Bureau of Plant Industry has also approved ginger imports from Vietnam and Indonesia, aiming to diversify the sources of ginger. The increase in demand, particularly from industrial sectors such as herbal tea manufacturers, coupled with reduced domestic output due to adverse weather conditions and El Niño, has exacerbated the situation. Consequently, prices have escalated, with ginger now costing more than whole chicken in Metro Manila. The government expects prices to stabilize as additional imports arrive. Agriculture officials have highlighted the unusual spike, indicating that prices exceeding P100 per kilo are considered expensive. Efforts are underway to address the supply gap and stabilize the market.
Source: philstarGLOBAL