The price of meat, particularly beef, is reaching unprecedented heights, with market experts predicting further price increases in the coming months.
Specifically, in major supermarket chains and neighborhood butcher shops, prices now reach €19 to €20 per kilogram, putting severe financial pressure on consumers. The primary cause of beef price increases is reduced production due to green deal policies aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Speaking to ERTnews, Andreas Niotis, president of the Varvakeios Butchers Association, mentioned that prices at the municipal market range from €8.50 to €12.99. Before summer, tenderloin sold for €12 per kilogram, while last year at this time, prices didn’t exceed €10.90.
When asked why supermarket prices are expensive while Varvakeios maintains comparatively low levels, Mr. Niotis explained that this is mainly because the Municipal Market sources meat directly from producers or directly from abroad, without intermediaries.
Livestock farmers in despair
Meanwhile, livestock farmers warn that Greek production is collapsing, covering only 40,000 tons of the 160,000 tons consumed annually.
Specifically, speaking to ERTnews, livestock farmer Panagiotis Markopoulos said that in butcher shops, beef prices start from €11 and reach up to €13.
