SINGAPORE – In a bid to keep prices manageable during the festive season, FairPrice Group (FPG) has announced a price freeze on 15 popular seafood, pork, and vegetable items across their outlets islandwide. This initiative will take effect from January 9 and will extend through the Chinese New Year period, which is celebrated in 2024 from February 10.

This strategic move mirrors similar efforts made in previous years, aimed at making essential festive products more accessible for consumers. The list of items benefiting from the price freeze includes popular seafood choices such as Chinese pomfret, grey prawns, and red snapper. Vegetable staples in the promotion feature enoki and shiitake mushrooms, as well as napa cabbage – all of which are integral to many traditional culinary dishes during this festive season.

Additionally, FairPrice plans to incorporate spare ribs and minced pork into their price freeze for 2025, recognizing the growing popularity of these items, as noted by Mr. Andy Chang, director of fresh and frozen products at FPG.

The price freeze comes in response to surveys conducted between January 2 and 7, which highlighted a significant rise in prices at wet markets during this time of year. For instance, products like Chinese pomfret and red grouper saw increases of 20% to 30% compared to their prices at FairPrice. Specifically, the cost for an extra-large Chinese pomfret (600g to 800g) averaged $57 per kilogram at wet markets, in stark contrast to FairPrice’s price of $39.80.

Historical trends reveal that during peak festive seasons, prices for high-end seafood can nearly double at wet markets. "With high demand for festive produce, prices tend to escalate. This price freeze is our commitment to providing an affordable shopping experience, ensuring our customers can readily access these critical festive ingredients," stated Mr. Vipul Chawla, FPG’s group chief executive officer.

The promotional price freeze will remain in effect until February 12, the last day of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Alongside this initiative, FPG previously announced that holders of blue and orange Chas cards would benefit from a 6% discount on all purchases at FairPrice supermarkets and Unity outlets every Thursday and Friday from January 1 to March 1.

Moreover, major supermarket chains such as FairPrice and Giant are sweetening the deal by offering $6 return vouchers for shoppers spending a minimum of $60 with their Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers, making it a great time for families to stock up on essentials for the festive celebrations ahead.

Stay tuned as FairPrice continues to roll out initiatives that prioritize affordability and accessibility, ensuring a joyous and budget-conscious festive season for all!