国际英语新闻：Inflation of Mexican Christmas meal 3 times higher than general

MEXICO CITY, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Food prepared by Mexicans at traditional Christmas parties will cost 12 percent more than a year earlier, far outstripping the general inflation of 3.8 percent, said a study published by Mexican media Thursday.

    The study said a meal of turkey, leg of pork, cod and apple salad generally costs some 1,930 pesos (150 U.S. dollars).

    The dish that has risen most is cod, up 16 percent in price this year.

    From the list of ingredients, the sugar used in the apple salad has risen the most, with a 79-percent price gain.

    Potatoes, which are cooked alongside turkey and pork, have risen 51 percent, while olives, used in the stuffing, are 41 percent more expensive.

    Meanwhile, turkey is 35 percent more expensive compared with a year earlier.

    The National Poultry Farmers' Union estimates 2.8 million birds will be consumed between Dec. 24, the traditional start of the Christmas holiday, and Dec. 31. The week accounts for 95 percent of the demands for the bird in Mexico, according to the Union.