Easter lunch will not be cancelLed, the Executive Secretary of the Pancyprian Association of Supermarkets (PASYPE) Andreas Hadjiadamou, has said, noting that those who are fueling panic are being disproven by actual market data.
Hadjiadamou told the Cyprus News Agency that the only real increase recorded so far is on cooking gas, with a rise of €4.50 per cylinder, while no similar price increases are observed for other key products.
Hadjiadamou clarified that the market is not out of control, despite the pressures being recorded.
“In every crisis we hear the same things, exaggerations before real data even exists,” he noted, dismissing scenarios about shortages and outrageous prices for lamb.
He further stressed that "there will be sufficient supply," adding that the market has alternative solutions, even under pressure.
Regarding reports of lamb prices reaching €20 per kilo, he stressed that “nothing could be further from the truth."
“So far, there is no substantial increase in lamb prices compared to last year. On the contrary, experience shows that as Holy Week approaches, prices tend to drop due to an increase in promotional offers,” he said.
According to Andreas Hadjiadamou, “supermarkets will absorb part of the pressure by reducing their profit margins,” sending a message of support to consumers.
At the same time, he denounced profiteering practices appearing along the supply chain, calling on all involved to act responsibly.
He told CNA that “there are cases of unjustified price hikes and we must be careful not to give them room.” He stressed that such phenomena will not go unanswered by the Association, highlighting the need for interventions wherever practices that unfairly burden consumers are identified.
When asked whether supply has been under pressure, he acknowledged that pressures exist, but stressed that there is no issue when it comes to meeting demand.
He said supermarkets are maintaining open lines with suppliers in Cyprus, Greece, and other European countries, with imports being a ready option if needed.
Asked whether there are concerns about the quality of imported products, Hadjiadamou replied that “there is absolutely no concern about product quality, which is guaranteed through strict food safety protocols.”
Finally, he clarified that traditional Easter lunch is not only not under threat, but will remain at the same levels as last year, both in terms of availability and prices.
“The coming days are expected to confirm in practice that the noise of recent weeks was far greater than the real picture of the market,” he noted.
(Source: CNA)
