The Development Ministry has set August 31 as the target date for the implementation of the second part of the “gentlemen’s agreement” between the government and retailers on curbing prices. Under the deal, retailers will introduce price reductions in 30 product categories, 19 of which concern food and beverages, for a period of two to four months.
Much will depend, first of all, on the course of energy prices, as there has been a new flare-up in the Middle East, and, secondly, on the timing of national elections.
The categories in which the ministry and the market agreed to price reductions from the end of August, at a meeting held on Thursday under Minister Takis Theodorikakos with members of the management of the Greek Supermarket Association (ESE), the Association of Greek Food Industries (SEVT) and the Greek Association of Branded Products Industries (ESVEP), are the following: beef, pork, poultry meat, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, bread, flour, pasta, rice, legumes, olive oil, seed oils, butter, margarines, infant milk, baby food, diapers, coffee, cereals, chocolate, biscuits, cookies, soft drinks, laundry detergents, dishwasher detergents, general cleaners, personal hygiene products and school supplies.
