SINGAPORE: As the Chinese New Year festivities approach later this month, bak kua sellers are creatively navigating rising ingredient costs in order to keep prices manageable for their loyal customers. This beloved sweet, barbecued pork delicacy, is a household staple during the annual celebration, and its rising costs have raised concerns among both sellers and consumers.

Rising Material Costs

A recent survey by CNA highlights that many prominent bak kwa suppliers such as Lim Chee Guan and Century Bakkwa have so far resisted increasing their prices compared to last year's figures. There are exceptions, like Bee Cheng Hiang, which has implemented a slight price bump. In contrast, Fragrance Bak Kwa announced a reduction in prices from last year; a feat attributed to advanced production methods and cost-saving technologies.

Mr. CK Tan, the director of operations at Fragrance Bak Kwa, stated, “By integrating solar energy into our production process, we can effectively lower our operational expenses and subsequently pass those savings onto our customers." He also emphasized the importance of pre-ordering meat to secure competitive pricing for ingredients.

Century Bakkwa shared its struggles with steeply rising costs, particularly for premium Spanish Iberico pork, which now costs S$45 (US$33) per kilogram, an increase from S$39 in previous years. Despite the challenging pricing landscape, Century Bakkwa is optimistic, projecting a 25% increase in sales relative to last year, thanks to the introduction of new product lines.

Embracing Innovation

Responding to changing consumer preferences, bak kwa vendors have branched out with healthier alternatives. Century Bakkwa introduced a sugar-free bak kwa, specifically designed for health-conscious customers or those managing diabetes. Ms. Chua stated, “This diabetic-friendly option is perfect for those who have missed enjoying bak kwa for years, especially among the elderly.”

Additionally, Bee Cheng Hiang is adapting to a surge of online orders by enhancing its e-commerce capabilities. The company recently launched a self-pickup feature on its app to cut delivery costs alongside improvements in packing and sorting workflows. Ms. Jessica Wong, Bee Cheng Hiang’s assistant manager of sales and marketing, noted, “Our investment in technology has our team working diligently to meet the evolving demands of our changing customer base.”

As the festive date looms closer, special offerings, such as unique Chinese zodiac themed packaging for bak kwa, are quickly selling out, with the shop running tirelessly to keep pace with consumer demand.

Conclusion

With ingenuity at the forefront, bak kwa retailers are determined to deliver their iconic treats without placing extra financial burdens on festive shoppers. As consumers adjust to rising costs in various sectors, the creativity and adaptability shown by these bak kwa sellers may just keep the spirit of the Chinese New Year alight, one delicious slice at a time.