Cypriot farmers receive half the retail price for their produce

The problem of excessive markups on fruits and vegetables has worsened in Cyprus: farmers often receive only half of what the end consumer pays in stores. According to the latest report by the Cyprus Consumers Association, retail markups significantly exceed acceptable levels, especially for locally produced goods. For example, the price of Cypriot bananas in supermarkets was found to be 110% higher than the price farmers receive for them.

The study was conducted between April and July of this year and covered 30 types of fruits and vegetables available in both major supermarkets and farmers' markets. The Association estimates that the acceptable gross profit margin for retailers in this sector should not exceed 50–60%, but for 27 out of 30 items, this threshold was significantly exceeded.

In addition to bananas, the highest markups were recorded for red cabbage (102% above purchase price), carrots (almost 90% increase), eggplants, and onions (around 80% each). Although producer prices have increased by an average of 17% over the year, retail prices rose only by 9%, indicating that most of the profit goes not to the producers, but to retail chains and intermediaries.

It is also noted that prices at farmers' markets, such as those in Nicosia, are on average 28–38% lower than in supermarkets. This data was obtained using the digital tool “e-Kofini” — the official application of the Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture, which publishes up-to-date average prices for key local products. More information about the platform can be found on the ministry’s website: www.moa.gov.cy/moa/da/da.nsf/ekofini_en/ekofini_en?opendocument.

The Consumers Association calls on government authorities to strengthen monitoring of retail pricing and to take action against speculative markups that harm both producers and final consumers.