Butchers report 800% increase in lamb slaughtering during Easter

Source: in-cyprus.com

Lamb and goat meat are taking centre stage for Easter celebrations in Cyprus, with spit-roasted lamb becoming increasingly popular, while beef prices have risen due to shortages.

Prices for Cypriot lamb and goat meat remain relatively stable at €13-15 per kilo, according to Costas Leivadiotis, president of the Cyprus Butchers Association.

Greek imports cost more, reaching €15-17 per kilo, reflecting at least 10% price increases partly due to transportation costs.

Beef has seen a 7% price increase since yesterday due to limited supply. Bone-in cuts and minced beef now sell for around €12 per kilo, up from approximately €11. Specialty cuts and fillets can reach €30-40 per kilo.

Pork prices have slightly decreased to €5.5-6.5 per kilo from the previous €6.5-7.5, while chicken prices remain steady between €3-4.5 per kilo.

Leivadiotis noted a dramatic increase in lamb and goat slaughtering for Easter. “Slaughtering is 10 times higher than during a normal week. From 100,000 kilos, it’s now around 800,000 to 900,000 kilos,” he said.

He also highlighted a growing trend: “Cyprus has learned about spit-roasting in recent years,” with more customers requesting whole lambs for this cooking method.

The association president also stressed the importance of respecting animal welfare, during slaughtering processes, and public health standards.

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