Fruit prices spike as New Year approaches

Prices of round fruits have risen as the New Year gets closer, according to a 24 Oras report on Wednesday.

Due to superstitions of round-shaped fruits being ‘lucky’ for the coming new year, the price of grapes in Divisoria has jumped  from P150 per kilo to P200.

The price of ponkans, US red apples, and kiwi fruit have also been raised to 3 pieces for P100, while Fuji apples are now sold at P50 for 4 pieces and lemons at 3 pieces for P50.

Chico and dalandan are also being sold at P100 per kilo.

“Laki ng tinaas [ng prutas para] sa isang kahon kasi 100 ang tinaas eh. Minsan 200,” said fruit seller Liza Corañes.

(The price of fruit has really gone up since each box jumped by 100 pesos, sometimes 200.)

Fruits may also be bought individually to make way for superstitions that only 12 or 13 pieces of round fruit are on the table during the traditional Media Noche.

Customized fruit baskets may also be bought at Sta. Elena Street in Divisoria, Manila for P1,000 up to P2,500 depending on its contents..

“Simula pa po noong Christmas, may mga order na kami na fruit basket. Meron tayong local, kasi ito more on imported kaya mas pricey po siya kumpara sa local,” said fruit basket merchant Sheena Turo.

(Since Christmas we have received orders for fruit baskets. We have local and the pricier imported fruits available.) 

Meanwhile, fruit sales in Divisoria’s Tabora Street are still lower than expected for some vendors.

“Siguro sa hirap ng buhay din ho. Basta ang importante siguro, meron lang mailagay sa la mesa. May makitang bilog, may pagsaluhan ang pamilya,” said fruit vendor Shirley Jargue.

(Maybe it’s because of the hard times. But what’s important is there’s something on the dining table. As long as there’s something round and can be shared by the whole family.)

As 2024 approaches, Filipinos are expected to buy round fruits and other lucky charms in the belief that these will help pave the way for a prosperous 2024. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News