According to data from an IELKA survey, consumers are encountering higher prices in supermarkets, with supermarket inflation rising by 2.47% in May 2025 compared to May 2024.
Last month saw the most significant price hikes in biscuits, chocolates, and confectionery, which increased by 8.83%. Conversely, the largest price drops were in detergents and cleaning products, dropping by 9.20%.
When compared to April 2025, prices showed minimal fluctuation, increasing by just 0.63%. Over the 12-month period from June 2024 to May 2025, the overall price change was virtually stable at -0.03% year-on-year.
This analysis is part of a targeted survey conducted by the Institute for Research on Consumer Goods Retailing (IELKA), focusing on inflation trends in organized food retail channels, specifically examining price changes from May 2025 to May 2024.
Key findings from the research include:
1. Supermarket chain inflation reached +2.47% in May 2025 compared to the same month the previous year. Additionally, prices reflected a slight monthly increase of +0.63% from April 2025, with a stable long-term price level of -0.03% for the rolling 12 months.
2. Significant price reductions in May 2025 versus May 2024 were observed in the following categories:
– Detergents and cleaning supplies: -9.20%
– Pet food: -4.91%
– Grocery items: -3.57%
– Stationery, cosmetics, and toiletries: -2.72%
– Foods and toiletries: -0.52%
These decreases are attributed to market normalization post-pandemic and lower producer prices for certain items.
3. Notable price increases in May 2025 compared to the same month in 2024 were found in:
– Biscuits, chocolates, and confectionery: +8.83%
– Fresh fruits and vegetables: +7.78%
– Fresh meat: +6.41%
– Fresh and frozen yeasts: +5.48%
– Alcoholic beverages: +5.46%
Rising international prices for cocoa and coffee are impacting confectionery and beverage sectors. The price rise in fresh produce is linked to cooler weather in 2025 compared to the preceding year, which previously led to early harvests and lower seasonal prices. The increase in fresh meat prices is influenced by decreased livestock due to animal diseases in 2024 and rising international prices for imports, particularly beef, with a significant portion of Greece’s beef and pork being imported.
Additionally, the seasonal effects of Easter are evident, as Easter 2025 falls within the May data, whereas Easter 2024 is reflected in the previous month’s data.
Major price drops were particularly noted in detergents, cleaning supplies, pet food, and grocery items, largely due to sluggish olive oil price trends.
4. Factors contributing to the broader price moderation in supermarket products include:
– Deflation. Grocery prices have stabilized over the past eighteen months, thanks to the extensive volumes supermarkets handle, economies of scale, technological efficiency, and the presence of private labels.
– Government regulations. Supermarket operations are constrained by strict regulations, including a new code of conduct for promotional activities implemented in March.
– Promotions and discounts. Increased frequency and intensity of discounts in organized retail channels positively impact final product prices.
– High inventory turnover. Large outlets experience faster price containment due to swifter stock movement and rapid replenishment of inventory.
– Impact of private labels. The market share of private label products has risen in supermarkets over the last two years due to an expanding product range.
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