Τhe traditional “Easter Basket,” which includes goods such as lamb, goat, Easter bread, chocolate Easter eggs, and other related products, at fixed low prices, makes its premiere in Greece on Monday, April 7. This initiative running until is April 19, is expected to provide some relief, especially as price hikes in essential Easter goods are anticipated.
Lamb and Goat Meat Prices
According to the Consumer Institute’s research, this year, lamb and goat meat will cost up to 15.50 euros per kilogram in regional butchers, marking an increase of one euro compared to last year. In Athens, the price could reach up to 16 euros, compared to 15 euros last year. At the Varvakeio Market, in downtown Athens, the price could go up to 15 euros, up from 13 euros last year.
The Federation of Butchers explains that the prices of lamb and goat meat are determined along the supply chain, with the Ministry of Rural Development reassuring the public that there will be no shortage of lamb and goat meat in the market, this year.
Strict Inspections Until Easter
What is more, the Deputy Minister of Rural Development, and the Secretary-General for Commerce, assured that there would be intensified inspections across all stages of the supply chain, following a meeting with the butchers’ federation. These inspections will continue to increase as Easter approaches.
Chocolate Easter Eggs See 50% Price Increase
At the same time, a 50% increase in the price of chocolate Easter eggs is expected, driven by rising cocoa prices on the international market.
Hope for Retailers
Retailers are pinning their hopes on the upcoming holiday period, with consumers already beginning their research in preparation for Easter shopping. The boost in consumer sentiment is expected to come from the increase in the minimum wage, while retailers also anticipate that the Easter bonus, to be paid by private employers by Wednesday, April 16, will provide a much-needed boost to purchasing activity.
Supermarkets have already placed their orders to meet the higher demand of the coming days and are preparing for the “Easter Basket” initiative, aiming to minimize price increases on essential food items needed for the traditional Easter feast.
