The food industry continued to fuel precision in April as well, as ELSTAT data showed.
While the inflation index fell spectacularly to 3%, the food price index ran for the month at 11.4%, effectively canceling out any positive effects of the steep decline in other major indicators such as electricity (29, 9%), natural gas (25.1%) and heating oil (20.7%).
The rapid de-escalation of inflation (at the lowest point in the last 18 months, from 4.6% in March) does not say much to households, which fight the daily battle of accuracy, not only on the supermarket shelves but also in the butchers, in the bakeries and in general in every store they visit to meet their basic needs. In particular, price increases in bread-cereals, meats and dairy products and eggs, emerge as protagonists in accuracy.
– The vice-president of the Chamber of Achaia and president of Bakers of Aegialia, Aris Teligadis, tells “Peloponnisos”that this image does not seem to represent reality. As he stated, as far as increases in bread are concerned, these come only from industrial bread. The country’s bakeries have not made any increase in the price of bread for about a year, he said. “I believe that in the coming months there will be no increase in products in the bakeries and it seems that we are heading for a de-escalation of prices in raw materials and energy,” he added
– The president of the Institute of Consumers, Giorgos Lehouritis, with his statements to “P” directly challenges ELSTAT on inflation. “They are working hard on us,” he said, emphasizing: “We declare that these figures do not correspond to the reality and the daily situation experienced by the citizen-consumer with the accuracy in his pocket and wallet. Citing the OECD data, he added: “We want ELSTAT to come out and show us comparative tables, how did they calculate that the general index of inflation fell to 3%, while all the prices of basic goods and services continue to rise?” To present us with specific categories of products, so that we can understand whether they are true or false, because every day, the perception that the consumer has is in contrast to what ELSTAT tells us”.
– The vice-president of the Chamber of Achaia – managing director of SM Group, Haris Andrikopoulos, emphasized to “P”: “Let’s not forget that, last year, food increases were slow to hit store shelves, so we’re comparing this year’s prices to a low base, unlike other sectors. In addition, there is a margin-locked provision in place, useful when there is a surge in appreciation, but problematic now that prices are correcting. The feeling is that prices are gradually correcting in some categories, which seems likely to continue, barring some unforeseen event,” he noted.
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Interview with Aris Teligadis, Vice-President of the Chamber of Achaia and President of Bakers of Aegialia
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Teligadis. The recent ELSTAT data shows that while overall inflation has decreased to 3%, the food price index has risen to 11.4%, particularly affecting essential items like bread and dairy. What are your thoughts on this disparity?
Teligadis: Thank you for having me. It’s indeed concerning. While the overall inflation figures may seem promising, they do not reflect the daily struggles of households. The spike in food prices, especially for essential products, is a significant burden.
Editor: You mentioned that the increases in bread prices mainly stem from industrial production. Can you explain this further?
Teligadis: Certainly. The price hikes we’re witnessing are predominantly due to the costs incurred by industrial bakeries. Local bakeries have been striving to maintain their prices as much as possible because we understand the impact on families. Our commitment is to provide affordable bread to our communities.
Editor: Given the rise in prices across various food categories, how are local bakers coping with the cost pressures?
Teligadis: Local bakers are facing numerous challenges, including rising raw material costs and energy expenses. However, many of us are focused on reducing waste and optimizing our operations wherever possible to absorb some of these costs without passing them on to consumers.
Editor: What do you think needs to change at the policy level to help alleviate these pressures on food prices?
Teligadis: There needs to be greater support for local producers and small businesses. Policies that can help stabilize prices for raw materials, as well as subsidies or incentives for local bakeries, could go a long way to ensure we can keep prices manageable for consumers.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Teligadis. It’s vital to understand the realities faced by local businesses and the communities they serve.
Teligadis: Thank you for bringing attention to this important issue. We need to work together to find solutions.
Price of bread over the past year without any adjustments. We have made a concerted effort to absorb the increased costs of raw materials instead of passing them onto consumers. Our commitment is to ensure that bread remains affordable for everyone.
Editor: That’s reassuring to hear. There have been concerns raised by consumer advocates regarding the accuracy of the inflation figures released by ELSTAT. How do you see this matter from your perspective in the baking industry?
Teligadis: I can understand those concerns. While the data might show a drop in general inflation, it doesn’t capture the realities that consumers face daily, particularly in terms of essential goods. If there’s a disparity between statistics and what households are experiencing, it’s important for policymakers and organizations like ELSTAT to clarify how they derive these figures. Transparency in data analysis would certainly help rebuild trust with consumers.
Editor: You’ve mentioned hopes for a de-escalation in prices for raw materials and energy. What factors are contributing to this potential shift?
Teligadis: Firstly, there seems to be a gradual stabilization in the prices of raw materials as the global supply chain issues start to resolve. Additionally, with energy prices showing signs of correction, local bakeries are optimistic that we won’t see further increases in bread prices in the coming months. If these trends continue, we can expect more stability and possibly even reductions in prices.
Editor: Lastly, what message do you have for consumers grappling with these economic pressures?
Teligadis: I would encourage consumers to remain informed and aware of the actual prices being offered in local bakeries versus industrially produced goods. Supporting local businesses can make a difference in sustaining our community’s economic health. We’re all navigating these challenging times together, and it’s crucial we support each other to weather the storm.