Large price differences for watermelons sold at markets and supermarkets in Lithuania are largely driven by purchasing volumes and operating costs rather than excessive markups, small business representatives and retailers say.
The issue drew attention after a Vilnius resident told LRT.lt she was surprised to find, after weighing a watermelon, that the fruit at a local market would have cost her nearly 40 euros, while a similarly sized fruit purchased later the same day at a supermarket cost about 8 euros.
“I was shocked by the price and decided not to buy it,” the shopper, identified only as Reda, told the news outlet.
Airinas Jermolajevas, head of Lithuania’s Small Business Association, said it is natural for watermelons sold by market vendors or small retailers to cost more than those sold by major supermarket chains.
“Small businesses and large retail chains operate under completely different conditions,” he said.
