The short version
- Héctor Cordero anticipates possible price adjustments for pasteles this Christmas but does not expect major increases according to Metro Puerto Rico
- Cordero says the final cost will depend on supply and demand and what consumers are willing to pay Metro Puerto Rico reports
- Ramón González states there is abundance of plantains squash and pork for the season per Metro Puerto Rico
- El Nuevo Día reported the Department of Agriculture is promoting local bananas for pasteles
Availability of ingredients
Héctor Cordero, former president of the Asociación de Agricultores de Puerto Rico, said possible adjustments in the prices of pasteles are expected for this Christmas although he does not foresee major increases. In an interview with WKAQ broadcast by Metro Puerto Rico, he indicated that the cost will depend on supply and demand and on how much consumers are willing to pay.
Cordero also highlighted the effort involved in making the traditional dish. "El secreto del pastel es la dedicación", he said according to Metro Puerto Rico. Ramón González, former secretary of Agriculture, told Rubén Sánchez in an interview that according to his conversations with farmers there is abundance of plantains, squash and pork for the season. Metro Puerto Rico reported that his assessment is that ingredients will be available to prepare pasteles.
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What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
El secreto del pastel es la dedicación
Our translation: The secret of the pastel is the dedication
The source's own statement, as quoted by Metro Puerto Rico. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Support for local production
El Nuevo Día reported that the Department of Agriculture is supporting local bananas with the message "Apoya el guineo. El guineo es de Puerto Rico" in the context of whether there will be pasteles for Christmas. The video report emphasizes the use of Puerto Rico-grown bananas in the traditional holiday dish.
No specific price figures were provided by the Department of Agriculture in the El Nuevo Día report.
Where the sources differ
Both Metro Puerto Rico and El Nuevo Día report on the outlook for pasteles this Christmas and the availability of local ingredients. Metro Puerto Rico quotes Héctor Cordero on possible price adjustments determined by the market and quotes Ramón González on the abundance of plantains, squash and pork as well as a price range of $4-$5 per yunta. El Nuevo Día focuses on the Department of Agriculture's campaign to support local bananas and does not mention Cordero, González or any specific prices.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state what current or previous prices for pasteles have been, whether any official price survey has been conducted, what the expected consumer demand is this season, or whether there are any shortages in other common ingredients such as banana leaves or spices. No government forecast for overall holiday food costs was provided.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Prevén ajustes en precios de pasteles para Navidad
- Reporting ¿Habrá pasteles en Navidad? Agricultura: “Apoya el guineo. El guineo es de Puerto Rico”
How we checked this
Metro Puerto Rico provided the statements from Héctor Cordero and Ramón González on ingredient availability and market-driven pricing. El Nuevo Día reported separately on the Department of Agriculture's support for local bananas. The specific price estimates rest solely on the Metro Puerto Rico account.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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