Food Becomes a Luxury: Greece Among the Top in Food Prices in Europe

Jul 16, 2025

The daily lives of Greek citizens are being severely affected by continuous price hikes in essential goods, primarily food. According to official data, Greece ranks 4th in Europe for food price increases.

This means Greek families are paying up to 40% more for basic products like bread, milk, vegetables, and oil compared to previous years. These are not luxury items but simple, necessary foods.

This situation cannot be justified by international prices or raw material costs. Instead, it appears to stem from unchecked price increases by producers, middlemen, and retailers, which only burden the consumer.

The New Consumer Institute (NÉO INKA) emphasizes that the problem is social and political. The state limits itself to urging the market to act, without taking strong measures to protect citizens.

Vulnerable groups—seniors, families with children, the unemployed—are hit the hardest. Inequalities are growing, and social fatigue is turning into outrage.

Our Key Proposals:

  • Transparency in pricing across the entire supply chain (production – trade – retail)
  • Strict oversight by the Competition Commission
  • Support for Greek production
  • Reduced VAT on basic food items

Additionally, we raise the issue from a tourism and national image perspective: How can we promote the Mediterranean diet and hospitality when food becomes unaffordable for both Greeks and visitors?

Economic policy must protect the right to food—a right that is not a privilege but a necessity and a social good.

The New Consumer Institute (NÉO INKA) calls for immediate and coordinated action by the state to support households and stop unchecked profiteering.

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16.7.2025
New Consumer Institute (NÉO INKA)

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