The Ministry of Development has launched a rigorous inspection campaign at supermarkets, targeting the identification of businesses that violate promotional frameworks and deceive consumers. Violators will face fines of up to €50,000, while their names will be publicly disclosed for complete transparency and public information.
Read: Takis Theodorikakos sends inspectors to supermarkets: What changes in prices for 1000 product codes
Supermarkets: intensive inspections and social responsibility
Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos has again called on companies and chains to reduce prices on essential consumer goods. He also made pointed remarks about supermarket profits, noting that in a sector with annual turnover of €12 billion, average profits of just 1.5% are incompatible with market reality.
Mr. Theodorikakos emphasized that citizens have filed dozens of complaints, which led to his personal order for intensive inspections. As he stated, “Supermarkets must demonstrate social responsibility and sensitivity, reducing their average profit margin.” Companies have committed to implementing price reductions on approximately 1,000 product codes, aiming to protect social cohesion.
Reactions from retail sector
For their part, representatives of organized food retail acknowledge the initiative for voluntary price reductions but characterize it as interventionist. Despite disagreements, the commitment to reductions remains central to the inspections.
The coming days are expected to be critical, as inspection results will determine which chains will face fines and public disclosure of their names. The government emphasizes that its policy supports healthy entrepreneurship, but social responsibility and citizen protection remain priorities.
Citizens are encouraged to monitor inspection results and utilize complaint mechanisms to protect their rights, thus ensuring the market remains fair and transparent.
