Higher Prices for Easter Table Staples ‘Sting’ Greek Households

As Holy Week approaches, Greek consumers are already seeing increased prices for key items that traditionally fill the Easter table. Bakers and butchers alike are feeling the pressure from rising costs, with further price hikes not ruled out in the days leading up to Easter Sunday.

Bakeries are ramping up preparations for seasonal favorites such as tsoureki (sweet Easter bread) and Easter biscuits, but the cost of producing them has become a major concern. Energy prices, in particular, remain a significant burden for small businesses.

“The biggest problem is and will continue to be energy,” says Makis Stamatakis, a bakery owner in Athens. “Flour prices have gone up, but we’ve absorbed most of the increases. Energy, though, is affecting everyone. Over the past three years, it’s risen by 120% to 200%.”

Despite the challenges, many bakers are keeping prices steady—for now. Tsoureki is expected to sell at around 15 euros per kilo, the same as last year. “We haven’t raised prices, though we probably should have,” adds Stamatakis. To manage the cost, some bakeries are reducing profit margins or baking in larger batches to save on energy.

Beyond baked goods, the cost of meat is also climbing. Butchers are already seeing increases, although uncertainty remains about how prices will develop during Holy Week.

“We don’t yet have a clear picture of what will happen,” says butcher Antonis Valdetsiotis. “Prices have already gone up.” According to current estimates, whole lamb and goat are selling for about 14.98 euros per kilo, with final pricing expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

Source: Tovima.com