Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The increase in the prices of a number of basic necessities and food commodities such as rice and vegetables has made tegal stall business operators rack their brains, so that their businesses do not suffer from the effects of the soaring prices of a number of these commodities.

Chairman of the Nusantara Warteg Cooperative (Kowantara) Mukroni said that rising prices for vegetables could be a challenge for warteg businesses, because vegetables are often the main food ingredient in the daily dishes they serve.

For this reason, Mukroni said there was an opportunity to increase food prices at food stalls. Warteg entrepreneurs are also asked to monitor the market and prices regularly to be able to find out price trends.

He said that if you have to increase prices, then communicate with customers. If it is necessary to adjust food prices as a result of the increase in vegetable prices, communicate this with customers honestly. Then provide reasonable reasons and make sure customers feel appreciated.

“If the price of vegetables rises significantly, there needs to be consideration of adjusting menu prices periodically. This can help food stall businesses maintain a balance between production costs and prices that are acceptable to customers,” he told CNBC Indonesia, Tuesday (7/11/ 2023).

He also gave several tips so that warteg businesses can anticipate and still be able to make a profit amidst price spikes like today. First, he said, by diversifying the menu.

“Consider having a varied menu that doesn’t depend too much on one particular type of vegetable. By having a variety of dishes, you can be more flexible in adjusting the menu when the price of certain vegetables rises,” said Mukroni to CNBC Indonesia, Tuesday (7/11/2023) .

Apart from that, wartegs can buy or shop for cooking ingredients in large quantities. “Try to buy vegetables in large quantities when the price is still affordable. You can store them well for future use,” he said.

Then collaborate with local farmers. According to him, working with local farmers or local vegetable traders can help warteg businesses get supplies of vegetables at more stable and possibly lower prices. After that make emergency supplies. If possible, food stall businesses can store vegetables in large quantities for use if prices rise sharply.

“Make sure you have appropriate storage facilities to maintain the quality of vegetables,” he said.

To prepare a menu plan. Mukroni suggested that warteg business owners make a menu plan with careful planning for the next few weeks. By planning the menu carefully, it can avoid dependence on vegetables whose prices have risen.

[Gambas:Video CNBC]

(wur/wur)