PRICES of some Noche Buena items have increased a month ahead of the Christmas holiday based on a guide released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Sunday.

Most of the stock keeping units (SKUs) on the list were stable, price-wise, from 2023 prices, and 13 items became cheaper. One hundred and five items produced by 22 Noche Buena manufacturers, however, became more expensive.

The guide details prices for 236 SKUs across 12 categories, such as ham, queso de bola, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, all-purpose cream, mayonnaise, pasta noodles, elbow and salad macaroni, and tomato and spaghetti sauce.

Ham prices ranged from P170.00 to P928.50, and out of 36 SKUs, 18 posted higher prices. Nine of 16 cheese items also showed increases, with prices from P56.50 to P310.

Higher prices for 12 fruit cocktail products, which ranged from P61.76 to P302.50. Majority of the 25 spaghetti SKUs also increased, with prices at P28.50 to P103.

Out of 39 listed pasta/spaghetti items, 25 brands posted higher prices ranging from P32 to P114, including bow macaroni (P30.50 to P126.25), tomato sauce (P16.50 to P92.85) and salad macaroni (P36.50 to P126.25).

Steady prices were also recorded for all-purpose cream (P36.50 to P72), sandwich spread (P27 to P263.60) and queso de bola (P210 to P445).

Prices of mayonnaise ranged from P20.40 to P245.8, with some manufacturers selling at lower prices.

"By publishing this price guide, the DTI urges consumers to compare prices and select products that best fit their budget and preferences for the holiday season," Acting Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.

To help consumers easily navigate the Noche Buena Price Guide, the DTI has marked items with no price changes with a star, while those with lower prices have a Christmas tree symbol.