As food inflation continues to strain household budgets in Greece, local butchers say more customers are reducing the amount of meat they buy, while a growing number are relying on informal store credit to make ends meet.
According to Savvas Kessidis, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Butcher Shop Owners, consumers still prefer and trust their neighborhood butcher shops, but they are no longer purchasing the same quantities as in previous years. He noted that many customers, particularly toward the end of the month when salaries and pensions have been exhausted, are once again turning to traditional credit arrangements.
Kessidis said that many butcher shops have absorbed part of the impact of rising costs and are operating with minimal profit margins in order to cover their own expenses and support loyal customers.
“More than 70% of butcher shops help regular customers during difficult periods by allowing purchases on credit,” he said.
Beef Prices Approach €19 per Kilogram
Current retail prices at butcher shops across the country place boneless beef between €16 and €19 per kilogram, while standard minced beef sells for €14 to €16 per kilogram. Chicken is priced between €4 and €4.50 per kilogram.
Prices for lamb and goat meat continue to fluctuate. Kessidis said prices rose to €15-€16 per kilogram last week but are expected to ease in the coming days as summer begins and demand remains relatively low. He added that prices have fallen by around €0.50 per kilogram in recent weeks.
Lower Prices at Athens’ Central Market
At Athens’ central food market, known for its wholesale and retail meat trade, prices remain significantly lower, according to Andreas Niotis, president of the market’s butchers’ association.
Niotis said meat prices are expected to remain stable through August for both beef and pork products.
Boneless beef is currently sold for between €9 and €12 per kilogram, while minced beef costs around €11 per kilogram. Premium beef cuts are priced at approximately €12 per kilogram.
Pork prices range from €5 to €6.50 per kilogram, with neck chops selling for around €5 and pork leg reaching €6.50 per kilogram.
Chicken prices range from €3 to €3.50 per kilogram. Chicken fillet costs between €7 and €7.50 per kilogram, reflecting a slight recent increase. Lamb is sold for around €8 per kilogram, while goat meat reaches approximately €12 per kilogram, depending on the cut selected.
