Delivery of select food items in Typhoon Lando-hit areas delayed

MANILA, Philippines – Some food manufacturers have informed the Trade and Industry department (DTI) Monday, October 19, that supply of basic goods is stable, but delays have been encountered in delivering some items in areas hit by Typhoon Lando (international name: Koppu).

In an emergency meeting called by DTI’s Undersecretary Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba of the Consumer Protection Group (CPG), Philbaking/Gardenia bread’s Nestor Constancia said they were able to deliver supplies in Cagayan, Isabela, and La Union during the weekend and in Ilocos provinces Monday morning.

Delivery of bread in Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan was delayed though as trucks were stranded due to floods.

Nestlé Philippines Inc said there is sufficient supply of its coffee and milk products in affected areas even prior to the typhoon. But it was unable to deliver supplies in Aurora and Nueva Ecija due to impassable roads.

Snow Mountain Dairy Corporation’s Edwin Africa said they have 1.5 months of supply inventory in their depots, enough to cover any surge in demand. The company’s distributors also keep another 0.8 months of stocks in their warehouses.

Monde Nissin’s Jen Dela Peña said in a text message the company has enough supply of noodles. Its plants in Luzon are not affected by the storm and there are no price changes as well. Problems might arise though if they fail to deliver on time due to impassable roads.

Stable supply

Sardine Association of the Philippines president Cezar Cruz gave assurances that there is ample supply of all canned sardine brands in areas affected by Typhoon Lando. The sardine industry has a minimum of 8 months’ supply inventory toward end of the year. There are no price changes for the sardine products, Cruz said.

For canned meat, San Miguel’s Gel Yap said inventories for Pangasinan are also sufficient. The company has 3 trucks enroute to Northeast Luzon; two are headed for Isabela; and a truck is bound for Nueva Vizcaya. All deliveries are expected to be completed within the day.

The San Miguel representative said that inventory should be enough, provided there would be no panic-buying.

There is also a stable supply of condiments, food manufacturers said.

NutriAsia’s Jimmy Formoso said there are ample stocks in areas affected by the typhoon and that supply would only be scarce if deliveries are delayed due to impassable roads.

Luis Lim Jr, president of The Chamber of Food Manufacturers Inc said Ajinomoto has also enough supply inventory in areas affected by the typhoon and that there are no price changes in their products.

A number of provinces in northern Luzon are still under public storm warning signal number 2 as Typhoon Lando continues its slow march in the area on Monday, October 19. – Rappler.com