Massive price differences for identical products have been identified in a new Cyprus Consumer Association study, showing gaps exceeding €100 between supermarket chains for the same shopping basket.
The data comes from the e-kalathi platform, operational since 12 June 2025.
A comparison of 260 common products on 31 August revealed significant pricing disparities across major retail chains, highlighting substantial cost variations for consumers shopping at different stores.
Sklavenitis emerges as cheapest chain across all categories
The survey results showed Sklavenitis offered the lowest total cost at €893.38, followed by Athiainitis at €951.84, Metro at €985.47, Ioannidis at €997.06, and Alpha Mega at €997.90, representing the highest prices.
The difference between the cheapest and most expensive supermarkets exceeded €104 for identical product baskets, demonstrating substantial price variations across the retail sector.
Category-specific comparisons revealed Sklavenitis maintained the lowest prices across all major product groups.
For dairy products (45 items), Sklavenitis charged €119.21 compared to Alpha Mega’s €135.95.
Non-alcoholic beverages (36 products) cost €116.76 at Sklavenitis versus €132.11 at Metro.
Personal care items (28 products) were priced at €139.61 at Sklavenitis compared to €154.65 at Ioannidis.
Limited product availability affects comparison scope
Significant gaps exist in e-kalathi platform coverage, with Lidl offering only 117 product codes and Pop Life 170, limiting comprehensive price comparisons. Conversely, Sklavenitis listed 461 products, Ioannidis 433, Metro 412, Athiainitis 399, and Alpha Mega 371.
Consumer group warns of coordinated pricing strategies
The Consumer Association emphasised that despite initial price differentiations when e-kalathi launched, August showed no substantial price reductions. Price drops below 1% cannot be considered meaningful de-escalation.
The organisation identified indications of coordinated pricing strategies, with supermarkets closely monitoring competitors and avoiding simultaneous promotional offers.
When promotions coincide, they appear designed to limit significant price deviations rather than drive genuine competition.
The Cyprus Consumer Association pledged to continue transparently publishing research findings, warning that Cyprus’s food retail market displays serious distortions requiring consumer awareness and regulatory attention.