Pan de muerto averages 19.99 pesos a piece this year, Profeco's price survey finds

A sugar-topped pan de muerto, which Profeco calls one of the most iconic elements of the Day of the Dead, costs 19.99 pesos a piece on average this year, Mexico's consumer protection agency, Profeco, said on October 29. The figure comes from a national survey of supermarkets, chain bakeries and traditional bakeries taken from October 19 to 23. The prices are what is new here; for what the bread is and its regional versions, see our Day of the Dead food guide.

Profeco gives 19.99 pesos as the national average for an individual piece with sugar. In the release's breakdown, the figure follows its supermarket prices; chain bakeries averaged 24.75 pesos for the same piece.

What it costs

In supermarkets and chain bakeries, the cheapest individual pieces with sugar, at 13 pesos, were at Bodega Aurrera stores in four municipalities of the State of Mexico and three Mexico City boroughs, and at a LeCaroz chain bakery in Atizapán de Zaragoza. The most expensive family-size loaf, at 242 pesos, was at City Market stores in Huixquilucan and Puebla. Among traditional bakeries, a piece cost 12 pesos at Panadería El Amanecer in Puebla and 26 pesos at Panificadora La Excelencia in San Luis Potosí. Profeco's Quién es Quién en los Precios website has the prices by state and for other sizes, such as trays of 10 and mini and large loaves.

Profeco's holiday checks

From Friday, October 30, to Monday, November 2, Profeco staff and its 38 consumer defense offices are checking that businesses selling goods and services for the season comply with the federal consumer protection law and official standards. The checks cover displayed prices, scales and parking lots. The businesses on Profeco's list include supermarkets and convenience stores, bakeries, sweet shops, restaurants, bars, amusement parks, entertainment venues, tortilla shops, sellers of dried chiles, moles and seeds, and public parking lots. Profeco says it will put up price boards and lists of consumer rights where needed, and set up stands to advise shoppers and take complaints.

Last year's program ran from October 28 to November 2. Profeco said it made 1,790 surveillance visits and 74 verification visits, monitored 28,858 seasonal products and gave 2,102 consultations, and that no business was suspended.

To complain, Profeco's Teléfono del Consumidor is 55 5568 8722 or 800 468 8722.