June 17, 2026 — Households across Trinidad and Tobago will soon be adjusting their shopping lists as local poultry and egg prices see noticeable shifts across the twin islands, according to comparative market data compiled by the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Trade and Industry alongside the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). The sharp uptick in key culinary staples is placing added pressure on consumers preparing traditional weekend meals.
The latest retail price surveys highlight significant disparities between supermarkets, local poultry depots (plucks类似 shops), and public markets across both islands. The price hikes are largely driven by escalating global grain and feed import costs, rising utilities, and supply chain logistics between Trinidad and Tobago.
Price Shifts Across Key Staples
- Whole Chicken & Cuts: Fresh dressed chicken and pre-packaged cuts recorded a 6% to 12% price increase over the last quarter, with higher per-pound averages reported across remote and eastern districts in Tobago compared to central retail hubs.
- Table Eggs: The cost of large and jumbo grade eggs saw marked adjustments due to increased feed overheads and localized laying flock constraints, with the average price per crate jumping across municipal markets.
- Imported Seasonings & Veg: Ancillary Sunday lunch staples—including sweet peppers, tomatoes, and imported herbs—have maintained elevated price levels, exacerbating total basket costs.
Smart Shopping & Price Transparency
The Consumer Affairs Division advises shoppers to exercise diligence and compare prices across multiple vendors rather than relying on single-stop shopping. Officials encourage consumers to:
- Leverage Depot Pricing: Compare pre-plucked depot rates against frozen supermarket cuts, where unit margins can vary substantially.
- Utilize Official Retail Guides: Check weekly consumer retail price publications released by the Division to identify the most competitive outlets in each municipality and electoral district.
- Support Local Producers: Buy directly from registered farmers’ markets and local egg farms to bypass intermediary markups.
Consumer advocates continue to urge wholesale suppliers and retail associations to practice fair margin pricing as families balance household budgets during peak holiday and school vacation periods.
Reporter Jewel Greene-George has the full details on where to find the best value across retail outlets.
