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Yesterday was a very “frozen” day in terms of purchases in Athens, as consumers limited themselves to buying only the most necessary goods for the Christmas table, but the most serious losses were reported by neighbourhood butchers.

Although the prices of meat and meat products remain similar to last year’s, sales fell by 30 to 40 percent, and representatives from the industry, say that they do not expect today to be much different.

Losses for the meat industry

According to the chairman of the Meat Processors Association in Piraeus, Stavros Peros, industry professionals report very large losses because lack of funds severely restricted consumer purchases. As he notes, prices are almost the same as last year, reaching 12 euros per kilogram for goat meat produced locally, 10.50 euros per kilogram for lamb and 4 to 5.50 euros per kilogram for pork chops. One kilogram of fresh local turkey meat costs between 7.50 and 8.40 euros and imported - 6.50 euros per kilogram.

The relevant departments of the Ministry of Development, Competitiveness and Maritime also believe that this year's Christmas dinner will be poorer. In particular, based on data from a price monitoring survey, the Christmas table for 6 people this year costs 3.1 percent less than last year. Of course, the ministry noted that according to their preferences consumers have the option to form a very economical shopping cart totalling 112.38 euros to 126.59 euros.

They also stress that a significant decrease in fruit and vegetable prices was observed, e.g.  potatoes (-29.3 percent), cabbage (-27.2 percent), lettuce (-4.9 percent), oranges (-11.5 percent), etc.

Meanwhile, during his traditional visit to the Thessaloniki market the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Yiannis Makriotis found that prices were higher than what he had expected.

Makriotis, to whom many citizens complained of their financial problems, urged businesses to demonstrate another spirit in their relationship with the consumers. "Once again I came to the people, despite all problems, because I believe that we should listen to their complaints, pain, and anger, because this is reality. The market is frozen, people are hampered, with fallen spirits, but we, especially us politicians, must be tough and strive for better", said the Deputy Minister.

For his part, the chairman of the trade association in the city, Kostis Handzaridis noted that prices have fallen between 20 percent to 50 percent and during the last couple of days movement on the market is noticed, because ever since the approaching Christmas holidays residents and visitors of Thessaloniki started buying, which gave traders the opportunity to breathe more freely. Handzaridis also believes that this trend will continue until the New Year.

As part of the events to revive the market, the Thessaloniki Trade Association organized yesterday a holiday market, which continued throughout the day and visitors were greeted by many surprises, gifts and low prices.