IPOH, Jan 11 — As in every festive season, the price of goods will inadvertently increase with sellers blaming higher cost for the raised amount.
The price of cookies this Chinese New Year also saw an increase, with the amount raised between RM1 and RM5 per bottle.
Home bakers contacted by Malay Mail said they had no choice but to shift the cost to customers as the price of raw materials have increased sharply.
While some customers do complain about the hike, the bakers said their clients are generally sympathetic as they are aware of the market situation.
According to Wendy Yeow, she only increased the price of her pineapple tarts by RM5 per bottle while maintaining the prices for other types of cookies.
“Yes, my customers did complain but they are accommodating as they know the price of raw ingredients have shot up,” she said.
The 48-year-old, who sells peanut biscuits, pineapple tarts, tapioca cookies (kuih bangkit) and walnut cookies, said all her customers are regular clients.
“I only bake as per order to control the cost,” she said.
Concurring with Yeow, Chan Shook Fei said the last time she increased the price was two years ago.
“At that time, I raised the price by RM1 but this year I increased it by RM3,” she said.
The Selangor-based baker said she had no choice but to increase as the price of raw materials have gone up too high.
Citing butter as an example, Chan said previously it was selling at RM5.20 each.
“Now it has increased to RM10.30,” the mother of two said.
Meanwhile, Vanessa Yoong said she did not increase her prices directly but rather reduced the number of cookies packed in each container.
“My customers are aware that I reduced the amount but they do not mind,” said the Kuala Lumpur-based baker.
Like Yeow, Yoong bakes as per order.
“All my customers are friends who asked me to help them bake Chinese New Year cookies.”
Among her specialities are walnut cookies, butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, pineapple tarts and almond flakes.
Meanwhile, Ray of Hope (ROH) has decided not to increase the prices of their products except for some which the increase in the raw materials are overwhelming.
Its cafe and bakery person-in-charge Vicky Ng said beside the spring roll seaweed crisp, shortbread plain and German cookies, they decided to absorb the increase in raw materials price for other products.
“Even if there is an increase, the amount raised is minimal although the price of raw materials have increased exponentially,” she said.
Citing green peas used in their green pea cookies, Ng said for every 10kg bag of green peas, the price has increased to RM30.
“Even the price of flour has increased by RM1.30 for every kilogramme.”
Ng said they decided to absorb the increase this year as it was still affordable for the bakery.
She, however, said they would definitely increase their prices next year if the price of raw materials maintains or goes up even higher next year.
ROH chairman Reverend Soon Jun Jer said they are thankful to get regular customers who continuously support them.
“All profits are ploughed back to ROH, which provides employment to those with learning disabilities,” he said.
The Ipoh-based bakery is still accepting orders for its cookies until January 16 but customers must pick up their purchases by January 20.
Ng said there are also gift packs that are ideal for Chinese New Year.
ROH can be contacted at 05-5488796 or 016-4457323.
