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Chihuahua Tortilla Producers Grapple with Price Increase Dilemma Amid Rising Costs
🇲🇽 Mexico /Economy & Trade

Chihuahua Tortilla Producers Grapple with Price Increase Dilemma Amid Rising Costs

From El Universal · (6h ago) Spanish Mixed tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Tortilla producers in Chihuahua, Mexico, are considering raising prices due to increased costs for production inputs, despite current prices remaining stable.
  • The price per kilogram of tortillas in Ciudad Juárez ranges from 25 to 29 pesos, but producers argue it should be between 30 and 33 pesos.
  • Producers also cite unfair competition from supermarkets selling cheaper tortillas, which impacts their sales.

In Chihuahua, the tortilla industry faces a difficult balancing act. While producers acknowledge the necessity of increasing prices to cover rising operational costs, they are currently holding the line at 25 to 29 pesos per kilogram in Ciudad Juárez. This decision stems from a desire to support consumers and avoid further economic strain, yet the economic reality is becoming increasingly challenging.

The price [of the tortilla] is still the same, and this time I think the same will happen. Prices will remain the same. The increase in operating costs must be analyzed responsibly and thoroughly to see what the impact is, in order to sustain ourselves or apply an increase.

— Salvador BañuelosA tortillería owner in Ciudad Juárez explaining the current price situation and the considerations for a potential increase.

The cost of essential inputs, excluding corn itself, has surged. Energy and water services, crucial for production, have become significantly more expensive. This financial pressure, coupled with the persistent issue of unfair competition from large supermarkets offering lower prices, creates a precarious situation for traditional tortilla makers.

Salvador Bañuelos, a long-time owner of a tortillería, exemplifies this struggle. He has maintained the 25-peso price point out of support for his customers, emphasizing the need for responsible price adjustments that consider both producers and consumers. However, he notes that supermarkets often set lower prices, forcing smaller businesses to compete on unfavorable terms. The concern is that if prices are raised, sales will inevitably decline, further jeopardizing livelihoods.

I have remained like this without increasing the price of the tortilla since last year; it's been a while since I raised the price. The other aspect that should be considered is street vending and shopping centers or supermarkets. I think those are the ones that require the increase and are implementing it.

— Salvador BañuelosThe owner elaborates on the competitive pressure from supermarkets and informal vendors.

The situation highlights a broader economic challenge: how to ensure the sustainability of local businesses while shielding consumers from escalating costs. The producers' dilemma in Chihuahua reflects a national conversation about inflation, fair competition, and the essential role of staple foods like tortillas in the Mexican economy.

In shopping centers, the price is lower, and the more we go out of competition, the fewer customers we will have.

— Salvador BañuelosHe explains the impact of supermarket pricing on his business.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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