Samuda, who will be meeting with the retailers and distributors tomorrow, told The Gleaner that the talks would be a follow-up to discussions held last year with industry stakeholders.

During the last meeting, Samuda sought to have the retailers and the distributors agree on 10 items which could be made available at cheaper prices.

"We got caught up in the Christmas season but I am taking the opportunity to get right into it in the start of this year and to set the stage for what I expect will be a year of vigilant adherence to the necessary steps to assist the consumers in getting the best prices," Samuda said yesterday.

Jamaican dollar

The 10 items being considered include flour, sugar, rice, chicken, mackerel and sardine.

While Samuda is hopeful that the retailers will be able to offer food at cheaper prices, he said they have indicated that the Jamaican dollar would have to remain stable.

"If our currency devalues, then it is prejudicial to maintaining stable prices because when the currency devalues, the prices move immediately," Samuda said.

Since September, the local currency has declined by 10 per cent and is now trading at J$80.12 to US$1. The Bank of Jamaica has undertaken several initiatives to stabilise the dollar.

Meanwhile, Samuda said his ministry would also be monitoring food prices through the Consumer Affairs Commission, which would be publishing surveys of several supermarkets.

dionne.rose@gleanerjm.com