KINGSTON, Jamaica – A wave of economic relief has swept through Kingston’s Coronation Market this week as consumers witness a notable downturn in previously soaring food prices. The market, a vital hub for the city’s shoppers, is experiencing its first significant price reduction following weeks of steep inflationary pressures on agricultural products.
The most dramatic reversal appears in the scotch bonnet pepper market, where prices have plummeted from a record high of $5,000 per pound to a more manageable $4,000. This development comes as welcome news to both household consumers and local food vendors who rely heavily on the iconic Jamaican pepper.
Tomato prices have similarly trended downward, now available at approximately $700 per pound compared to last week’s $800 price point. Cabbage has also joined the deflationary trend, dropping from $350 to $300 per pound, providing marginal but meaningful savings for budget-conscious shoppers.
Market stability remains evident in other produce categories, with escallion, yam, and sweet potato maintaining consistent pricing despite the overall market fluctuations. This mixed pricing landscape suggests a complex interplay of supply chain factors affecting different agricultural products uniquely.
The improved market conditions coincide with the latest episode of ‘Market Bag,’ a popular market analysis program hosted by Brittania Witter featuring special guest Carlysia Ramdeen. The show typically provides expert insights into market trends and consumer guidance during periods of economic volatility.