Chinese New Year: Sellers of Barbecued Pork Slices Keep Prices Steady by Absorbing Costs

Why It Matters

Steady prices protect festive consumer spending, while supply disruptions and competitor price moves highlight emerging pressures in Singapore’s seasonal food market.

Key Takeaways

• Sellers keep CNY pork slice prices unchanged despite cost hikes
• Century Bakwa fire may delay deliveries by up to two days
• Business sold 21,000 kg, a 30% increase over last year
• Spanish pork price rose 15%, pushing ingredient costs higher
• Competitor raised prices $2/kg, introduced reusable gift trunks

Summary

Sellers of barbecued pork slices are maintaining price stability for Chinese New Year treats even as pork and labor costs climb, while a fire at Century Bakwa’s kitchen threatens short‑term supply.

The vendor reported a record season, moving more than 21,000 kg of pork slices – roughly 30% more than the previous year – despite Spanish pork prices jumping 15% to about $50 per kilogram. To offset higher ingredient and staffing expenses, the business has streamlined operations and absorbed costs rather than passing them to consumers.

Owner Peter highlighted hiring skilled staff to speed production, noting, “We invest in people, then the production has been faster.” In contrast, rival shop Being Hyang lifted prices by $2 per kilogram and rolled out reusable “trunk” gift boxes and blind‑box snacks, signaling a shift toward premium packaging and sustainability.

The fire, which forced a two‑day production halt, underscores the fragility of seasonal supply chains, but the broader trend of price‑holding may keep consumer demand strong and pressure competitors to innovate on packaging and efficiency.

Original Description

Sellers of barbecued pork slices say they are keeping the prices of the Chinese New Year treats almost the same as last year, despite rising pork prices and labour costs. They are absorbing these to keep customers coming. But at the height of demand, a flare-up at Century Bak Kwa forced its kitchen to shut, threatening deliveries right before the festive rush. Beatrice Yap reports.