Christians who must have the traditional fare of hot cross buns on Good Friday will be faced with the prospect of a price increase by over 40 per cent. One bun will cost $2.50, up from last year's price of $1.75, an increase of 75 cents. Several factors have contributed to the price increase, according to Simone Phillips, one of the directors at Chee Mooke Bakery Ltd. "Raw materials, such as flour, went up three weeks ago. Fats, vegetable shortening and margarine went up last week and wages went up at the beginning of the year. These will have an effect on the cost of hot cross buns," Phillips said.
"I'm not sure how much we will make for Holy Thursday and Good Friday but we have to cater to our loyal customers and we will make thousands of buns," she said. Today the bakery is expected to produce 40,000 to 60,000 buns, 50,000 of which will be sold. The remainder will be given out as "thank you" gifts to charitable institutions and businesses. Natalie Phillips, another director at Chee Mooke, said she was upset at the price increase but the company had no choice. "I was very upset because of the rise in prices because my father, Leon T Phillips, always wanted to keep the prices down for the people. He was very community-oriented," she added.
In spite of the increased price, Phillips said regular customers were still buying the buns and "it was like our second Christmas." Prices vary from $2 to $4.50 at other bakeries. The buns have become a staple for the Easter celebrations. Easter observances will continue with the traditional washing of the feet this evening at churches throughout T&T. Tomorrow's Good Friday services will mark the Crucifixtion of Jesus Christ and Saturday, Easter Vigil begins at 6.30 pm.