KUALA LUMPUR: Bread producer Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd (Gardenia KL) has confirmed that the retail price of its products will be increased effective Sept 1.
In a statement today, Gardenia said the price hike was attributed to significant increases in the cost of ingredients such as high protein flour (by 25 per cent), egg white powder (more than 100 per cent), wholemeal flour, gluten, skimmed milk, bread improver and packaging materials, amongst others.
"This also coupled with several challenges such as the after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on businesses, and the flooding in Shah Alam in December last year.
"(And) more recently, the global supply chain crisis and implementation of the minimum wage from May 1.
"All these are beyond our control and have severely impacted Gardenia KL operations."
It said the new prices with effect from next month were made after several months of detailed review and analysis and exploring options.
"Increasing the price of our products has always been the absolute last resort when all other efforts have been taken to maximise the efficiency of our operations.
"We remain committed to our consumers and to supply fresh bread 365 days a year, seven days a week, rain or shine.
"Thank you to all our loyal consumers for their longstanding support and understanding."
The revised prices will see its Original Classic priced at RM3.00 per loaf; Gardenia Wholemeal at RM4.00 per loaf; Gardenia Toast'em range at RM5.50 per loaf; Gardenia Twiggies at RM2.00 per packet; Gardenia Waffles at RM1.50, and Gardenia cream rolls at RM1.10 per piece.
The company said the marginal price adjustment of Gardenia Original Classic white bread is RM0.20 (seven per cent), whilst the increase in high protein flour price is 25 per cent.
Gardenia KL is also maintaining the price of its Gardenia Bonanza Keluarga bread at RM2.75, a more affordable 500g white loaf.
The Gardenia Bonanza Keluarga loaf is more economical and suitable for larger families. Per 100g comparison of Gardenia Bonanza Keluarga is cheaper at RM0.55 than the Original Classic loaf at RM0.75.