Price increases of up to 10% have been recorded since the beginning of the year across roughly 7,500 product codes, affecting more than half the items typically found in a large supermarket, according to compiled market data.
The increases occurred before the imposition of a cap on gross profit margins, with new price lists sent to supermarkets after the measure’s announcement largely frozen, particularly for products included in the 61 categories covered by the policy. Despite that pause, consumers are already paying significantly higher prices compared with last year for a wide range of goods, including food.
Sharp increases have also been recorded in fresh produce, with wholesale prices for fruits and vegetables rising by as much as 62% within a single week. Government officials said such spikes cannot be explained solely by higher transport and production costs.
The developments prompted inspections at the central wholesale market in Renti by teams from the Independent Authority for Market Control and Consumer Protection. The inspections were met with resistance from some business operators, who called for intervention by the Development Ministry.
Data show notable increases in staple foods, including yogurt (7.5%), eggs (7.6%), baked goods (8%), packaged cheese (7%), baby food (4.5%), sauces (6.3%), soft drinks (5.7%) and jam (10%). Prices also rose for coffee (6.3%) and chocolate (8.5%).
Meat prices have also climbed, with beef and pork up 3% since the start of the year, while some processed meat products saw increases of up to 20%. Nonfood items with high demand, such as shampoos (3%) and pet food (9.5%), also recorded gains.
According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, food inflation reached 4.5% in January and 5.2% in February.
Officials said similar trends emerged in late 2025, when about 11,400 product codes saw price increases following the removal of the profit margin cap in July of that year. The measure has since been reintroduced in modified form as an emergency response linked to the war in the Middle East.
“When price lists arrive with large increases, the burden cannot fall solely on supermarkets to absorb them,” government officials said.
Inspections in the coming days will focus on suppliers as well as retailers, with particular attention on lamb prices ahead of Easter, which are already significantly higher than last year.