Greece is introducing a special “Easter basket” from this week, from which consumers will be able to buy Easter goods at lower prices. The reductions affect products such as lamb and kid meat, couscous and Easter chocolate eggs.
The measure is introduced after the prices of angus meat in the country reached some of the highest levels in recent years at the beginning of the month. This even forced some Greeks to look for cheaper alternatives across the border and shop for meat in Bulgaria. The expectations of local farmers were that lamb prices would rise to 15 euros per kilogram.
The shortage of lamb on the Greek market is due to the fact that a significant number of local breeders prefer to export their products at higher prices to countries such as Italy, where demand is high before the Catholic Easter. As a result, Greece is facing a tight supply of lamb at inflated prices, creating challenges for consumers ahead of the holidays.
The purpose of this “Easter Basket” is to keep the price at last year’s levels of around 10 euros per kilogram. The measure will apply from April 24 to May 4.
Traders of fish delicacies, which are in high demand during the Easter fasting period, also increased their prices significantly. The consumer union reports that fruits and vegetables are also extremely expensive.
Another measure will be introduced in the country, called “Basket of the Godfathers”, which will keep the prices of children’s toys. Traditionally in Greece, godparents buy Easter gifts for their godchildren to mark the holiday.
“Through the Godparents’ Basket, we support godparents and parents by giving them the opportunity to buy quality toys at affordable prices and bring joy to all children during these festive days,” said Development Minister Kostas Skrekas, quoted by the publication “Ekathimerini “.
On the occasion of the holidays, shops in Greece will not be open on Easter – May 5, as well as on Monday and Tuesday, which are holidays in the country.
