Shoppers face higher Easter lamb prices as Holy Week begins Monday

Source: in-cyprus.com

Consumers are facing significantly higher prices for lamb and goat meat ahead of Orthodox Easter as Holy Week begins on Monday, with wholesale prices jumping from 8 euros to 11-11.5 euros per kilogramme, according to retail industry representatives.

The price surge is attributed to an animal plague affecting Greek livestock production and the coinciding of Orthodox and Catholic Easter this year, which has increased exports to countries like Italy and Spain, said Marios Antoniou, president of the Cyprus Retail Association (PASYLE).

“There are special circumstances with lamb and goat meat this year,” Antoniou told philenews. “Cyprus imports overwhelmingly from Greece, as consumers trust only Cypriot and Greek meat, but supply has been significantly reduced”.

He expressed confidence that supermarkets would absorb a large portion of the price increase due to market competition, helping to keep retail prices reasonable for consumers.

Traditional Easter foods drive most purchases during this period, with lamb, goat meat and “flaounes” (traditional cheese pastries) being the top-selling items, according to Antoniou.

Other popular seasonal products include baked goods like Easter bread, cheese for flaounes, eggs and egg dyes, Easter candles, and chocolate eggs primarily for children.

Peak shopping is expected on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, reflecting the typical last-minute purchasing habits of Cypriot consumers, Antoniou said.

He reminded shoppers that supermarkets will be closed on Easter Sunday and Monday.

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