Milk buying frenzy continues...grocers order a second batch

By Joyette Mills-Ward
Business Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE; St. Kitts- SINCE last week’s return of Carnation Evaporated Milk to the supermarkets of the Federation, consumers continue to stockpile the commodity.

The item had been scarce for some weeks and is now being sold at the increased price of EC $1.95 and $2.00 per large tin.

SKNVibes.com interviewed local grocers and supermarket owners who had differing opinions of how milk sales were going.

Representatives from both Rams Supermarket and C&C Superfoods on the Bay Road, Basseterre indicated that their initial stock of 100 cases and 50 cases respectively were ‘sold out’ and ‘almost sold out’  between last Friday and Monday. Rams officials said they had had to order an additional 100 cases which they received on Monday June 2nd while C&C Superfoods is awaiting their second order. ~~Adz:Right~~

They did, however, indicate that some consumers had opted to buy the milk “by the case” instead of purchasing a few individual tins as used to be ‘the norm’ in an attempt to circumvent being without the staple should another shortage arise.

Horsfords Valu Mart IGA was also contacted and the representative said that Carnation Evaporated Milk sales there were not frenzied but normal and that they had not perceived a rush to stockpile the commodity by their customers.

Carnation Evaporated milk is a commonly used grocery item used to make confections and pastries and is also the main source of diary in a majority of local households.