Pacic basic basket, up to $200 cheaper at the Central de Abasto

There are options to turn around the escalation of food prices and make smart consumption. One of them is to buy in wholesale markets, such as the Central de Abasto.

According to the General Coordinator of the Central de Abasto of Mexico City, Marcela Villegas, the purchase of the 24 products included in the basic basket of the Package Against Inflation and Famine (Pacic), can cost between 100 and up to 200 pesos cheaper than in a supermarket chain.

He explains that in the Central they have a total of 6,200 stores whose prices vary, this is the difference; Consumers can look for the best price right there in the headquarters, and that is why they are coming more frequently.

In an interview, he details that in the aforementioned wholesale market there has been an increase in purchases in the retail aisles, from I to J, where there are stores that sell groceries and seeds.

This greater flow of buyers coincides with the rise in food prices that led inflation to a peak of 8.76 percent in September.

The expert identified an increase in visitors from the middle and lower middle class who previously did not shop at the plant.

Data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) confirm what Villegas said. In October there was a historic increase of 0.74% per month in retail sales after two monthly records of decline in consumption.

For the people at the supply center, it is clear that an economic recovery has already occurred, he said.

From having 300,000 visits during the year, we have exceeded 500,000 attendees this Christmas season, he acknowledged.

According to the Central Coordinator, when there are pressures on prices or some economic problem, people tend to adapt their purchases to maximize their budget.

They basically look for seasonal fruits that are much cheaper. They buy cans of food that have significant price differences.

ymorales@eleconomista.com.mx