Supermarket inflation in Greece rose to 2.4% in March, on an annual basis, according to the Institute of Retail Consumer Goods (IELKA).
The March index recorded a slight 0.15% drop compared to 1.38% in February, with the aggregate 12-month index (April 2025-March 2026) posting a +1.62% uptick.
The highest prices recorded were observed in appetizers, savory and miscellaneous served items (+12.70%), fresh fruit and vegetables (+10.45%), and fresh meat produce (+9.89%).
The highest decreases were recorded in detergents and cleaning products (-4.47%), pet food and pet supplies (-4.07%), grocery food items (-1.96%) and frozen products (-1.67%).
The institute attributed the price restraint in supermarket inflation first to cost containment, noting that major food retailers have been able to absorb cost pressures through high product volumes, economies of scale, organizational and technological readiness, and the expanded use of private-label goods.
A second factor is faster inventory turnover. Large retail outlets replenish stock more quickly than smaller competitors, allowing them to pass on cost reductions to consumers sooner, IELKA said.
The third driver is the growing weight of private-label products. Own-brand goods command a larger share of sales at major supermarket chains, owing to wider product ranges, and that share has grown further over the past two years, according to the institute.
The findings suggest that scale continues to give large grocery retailers a structural advantage in managing consumer prices, even as inflationary pressures have weighed on the broader economy.
