With less than a week until Easter, rising prices are affecting Greek shoppers, making this year’s Easter table more expensive.
As in other countries, Greeks celebrate Easter by dyeing eggs, baking traditional tsoureki bread, preparing meat dishes, and buying gifts. However, prices for eggs, meat, and chocolate have surged. To support consumers, the government has introduced “Easter baskets” in supermarkets, consisting of 50 affordable products.
Despite these efforts, the Consumer Institute reports that the cost of an Easter meal will be 9% higher than in 2024. Euronews spoke with shoppers at the Varvakeios Market, who shared their concerns:
“Last year, lamb cost about €10 per kilogram. This year, prices have gone up. What can we do?”
“The prices are about the same, or close to last year’s. I haven’t decided what to buy yet. I’ll come back and check.”
“There’s a huge difference compared to last year. The situation at Varvakeios Market is disastrous.”
Andreas Niotis, the market’s director, commented:
“Prices for lamb and goat start at €10–12 per kilogram in most shops here at Varvakeios Market. Compared to last year, there’s a slight increase of at least €1.”
Experts predict that lamb chops in butcher shops will exceed €15–16 per kilogram by Easter. According to the Consumer Institute, egg prices will rise by 12%. The cost of tsoureki varies by region and bakery.
As for candles, basic ones are available for €3, while decorated or toy-adorned candles can cost up to 13 times more. Chocolate Easter eggs, driven by rising cocoa bean prices, have increased by 30–40%.
The total cost of an Easter meal for a family of four is estimated at €110–145, approximately €12 more than in 2024. To curb rising food prices, the government launched the “Easter basket” initiative on April 7, available only in supermarkets. Yorgos Dimitropoulos from Euronews noted:
“So far, compared to last year, activity at the Easter market has been lower. However, shop owners expect an uptick in the coming days as private-sector workers receive their Easter bonuses.”
