Filenews 29 July 2024
The Cyprus Consumers Association identifies an excessive increase in retail prices in the sale of fresh fruits and vegetables compared to producer prices, noting that the problem affects not only consumers, but also producers, who are not paid according to the price paid by the consumer.
In a statement, the association said fresh fruits and vegetables significantly affected the family budget. In its survey covering 30 types of fruit and vegetables, the association found "worrying evidence that appears to justify consumers' concerns that there is an excessive increase in retail prices".
According to the results of the survey, in27 out of 30 items the percentage of gross profit in the price paid to the producer exceeds 107%, which according to the Association exceeds the "reasonable total percentage of gross profit" which it estimates at 50-60% of the price paid to the producer.
Specifically, in local bananas the percentage difference between the producer price and the retail price reaches 171% and in Cherry tomatoes 120%. The Association notes, of course, that these items have additional maturation and packaging costs.
In addition, lowland strawberries saw a difference of 107%, black eggplants 97%, carrots 97%, and heads onions 92%.
As he notes, the above data were calculated based on the average value of the period from April 18, 2024 to July 04, 2024, as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
The Cyprus Consumers Association reports that according to the data, there seems to be a serious problem in the marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables that leads to an excessive increase in their retail prices. "This problem should be addressed as soon as possible by the competent authorities," he says, adding that taking appropriate measures is imperative because the problem affects not only consumers in a prolonged period of high prices, but also producers, who are not paid according to the price paid by the consumer.
Indicatively, from 1969 to 1998 the maximum profit rates in the retail selling price of fruit and vegetables were determined by decrees. These rates were in force for 29 consecutive years without modification. "This leads to the safe conclusion that the then set maximum retail profit rates were accepted and considered reasonable by all stakeholders," it says.
In addition, it notes that from 1991 to 1998, perishable wholesalers were obliged to issue to the producer, within three days of the disposal of perishables, a receipt showing the quantity and price of perishables, the total amount of money received, as well as the amount of commission deducted for their services. which averaged 15%.
