According to research conducted by the Institute of Consumer Goods Retail Research (IELKA), supermarket prices in Greece decreased by 0.35% in June 2025 compared to May 2025. The findings reveal that inflation in supermarket chains stood at +1.78% in June 2025 year-on-year, down from 2.47% recorded in May 2025. This slight monthly decline marks a positive shift for consumers amid broader economic fluctuations.
Over the trailing twelve-month period from July 2024 to June 2025, price levels have remained relatively stable with an increase of just +0.25%. In general, the first half of 2025 has seen mild inflationary pressures at 1.13%, attributed largely to international increases in raw materials such as cocoa, meat, and coffee.
The biggest price drops compared to June 2024 were observed in categories like detergents and cleaning products (-8.28%), grocery foods (-5.40%), paper goods, cosmetics & personal hygiene (-3.13%), appetizers, spreads & other served items (-2.72%), and pet food & supplies (-0.52%).
Conversely, the most significant price increases were noted in fresh meats (+10.80%), biscuits, chocolates & confectionery (+10.19%), fresh fruits and vegetables (+7.55%), frozen goods (+2.74%), and dairy & refrigerated juices (+2.22%).
According to IELKA, the drop in prices for detergents and grocery items was primarily due to the stabilization of olive oil prices. On the other hand, rising fresh meat prices are linked to reduced livestock numbers in 2024 caused by animal diseases across many regions, along with higher global prices on imported goods, particularly beef and veal—most of which consumed in Greece is imported.
International cocoa and coffee prices have also impacted sweet products and beverages. Higher fruit and vegetable prices are tied to weather conditions, as lower temperatures in 2025 compared to 2024 delayed production cycles, affecting seasonal availability and pricing.
IELKA attributes the overall trend of price moderation in supermarkets to several key factors:
– **Inflation De-escalation**: Over the past eighteen months, large food retailers have maintained price stability due to high product volumes, economies of scale, organizational and technological readiness, and private label offerings.
– **Government Institutional Interventions**: Supermarket chains operate within a strict regulatory framework. Notably, a new code of ethics for promotional activities was implemented in March 2025.
– **Promotions and Discounts**: There has been an increase in the number, intensity, and discount rates of offers in organized retail channels, directly influencing final product prices.
– **High Inventory Turnover**: Larger stores experience faster price adjustments due to quicker inventory turnover, allowing them to replenish stock more frequently.
– **Private Label Products**: Private-label products have gained greater market share in major supermarket chains due to a wider range of SKUs, with sales increasing over the past two years.