Sugar concerns mount

• Merchants promise to keep prices low as consumers baulk at increased costs

Nadisha Hunter, Staff Reporter

As merchants predict difficult days ahead because of the hike in sugar prices, some consumers are planning to cut back on their intake, as they believe the 19 per cent increase in cost on the local market is far too high.

At some supermarkets in the Corporate Area yesterday, persons inspecting the new prices at the shelves were disgusted by the additional burden they are being asked to bear.

One such consumer, Shirley Grant, declared that the increase was too much for poor people to manage.

"I think it is most unfair for poor people like myself to manage the increase. I really don't know how I will manage it, because I am not earning an income," Grant said.

"It is too much for us to bear and so I will be buying less," said Mechy Grant, who indicated that it was an opportunity for her to become much healthier. "Now I will drink less drinks and stick to water, because I will have to save the sugar to make tea."

Said Collin Henry: "I am planning to cut down on my sugar intake so that it doesn't affect me, so I can do without it."

A check at a retailer revealed that consumers could see sugar rising from $49 per lb to $54.64.

Merchant frustrated

Albert Lym, owner of Brooklyn Supermarket at Twin Gates Plaza, said he was frustrated at the rise in the cost.

"I don't know what is going to happen in the country. I will try to keep the prices low because we know what (customers) are going through, but we also suffer too because we have to pay more," he said.

Customer service representative at Empire Supermarket, Tamar Sutherland, was also concerned by the increase in sugar costs but, like Lym, said the supermarket had kept prices low to suit the customers.

President of the Bakers' Association of Jamaica Audrey Lecky said the adjustment in prices for baked products, which will vary according to the type of baked product, could take effect as early as next week.

Lecky, however, said manufacturers would try as best as possible to keep the prices down.

She said her association's members would not likely pass on the full 19 per cent increase to their customers.

"We will look at ways in which we can deal with the situation, as we have to be concerned about purchasing power," she said. "The customers will be the same ones purchasing the sugar and other commodities that have increased, and so we have to be concerned about sales."