Excessive increase in retail prices in the sale of fresh fruits and vegetables in relation to producer prices is identified by the Cyprus Consumers Association, noting that the problem affects not only consumers, but also producers, who are not paid according to the price paid by the consumer .
In its announcement, the Association states that fresh fruits and vegetables significantly affect the family budget. In its survey, which covered 30 types of fruit and vegetables, the Association found "disturbing evidence that appears to justify consumers' concerns that there is an excessive increase in retail prices".
According to the results of the survey, in 27 of the 30 species the percentage of gross profit on 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 % on the price paid to the producer.
In particular, in local bananas the percentage of difference between the producer price and the retail price reaches 171% and in Cherry tomatoes 120%. The Association notes, of course, that the specific items have additional ripening and packaging costs.
In addition, a 107% difference was observed in lowland strawberries, 97% in black eggplants, 97% in carrots, and 92% in onion heads.
As he notes, the above figures were calculated based on the average price of the period from April 18, 2024 to July 04, 2024, as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, through the e-coffin application.
The Cypriot Consumers Association reports that according to the data, there seems to be a serious problem in the marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables which leads to the excessive increase in their retail prices. "This problem should be dealt with by the Competent Authorities as soon as possible", he says, adding that the taking of appropriate measures is imperative because the problem affects not only consumers in a prolonged period of accuracy, but also producers, who do not are paid according to the price paid by the consumer.
By way of example, it states that from 1969 to 1998 the maximum percentages of profit on the retail sale price of fruits and vegetables were determined by decrees. These rates have been in effect for 29 consecutive years without modification. "This fact leads to the safe conclusion that the then established maximum retail profit rates were acceptable and considered reasonable by all concerned," it says.
In addition, it notes that from 1991 to 1998, wholesalers of perishables were required to issue to the producer, within three days of disposal of the perishables, a receipt showing the quantity and price of the perishables disposed of, the total amount of money that was collected, as was the amount of commission deducted for their services, which averaged 15%.
Source: KYPE