The Cyprus Consumers Association has revealed that consumers are paying between 97% and 342% more for fruits and vegetables compared to producer prices, according to new data released today.
The study compared actual producer invoices with average retail prices recorded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment’s e-Kofini price observatory on October 14 2024.
For 15 items examined, the average profit margin was 165%, ranging from 97% to 342%. On the same day, e-Kofini data for 19 items showed an average profit margin of 73%, ranging from 53% to 158%.
In its statement, the Association said, “The above data lead to the conclusion that there continues to be a serious problem in the marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables, leading to excessive increases in their retail prices. This problem should be addressed by the competent authorities as soon as possible”.
The Association emphasised that appropriate measures are necessary as the situation is detrimental to both consumers, who are facing a prolonged period of high prices, and producers, who are not compensated in line with consumer prices.
The report follows up on a previous announcement from August 29 2024, after which the Association continued monitoring the fruit and vegetable market from producer to consumer, including visits to producer associations.
The announcement concludes, “Unfortunately, the gap between the selling price from various producer associations and the retail selling price continues to remain at unjustifiably high levels”.
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