Consumers in Cyprus face a varied outlook for their festive budgets as the Consumer Protection Service released its annual Christmas Price Observatory on Friday, showing declines in the cost of staple vegetables even as beef and traditional sweets record double-digit increases.
The data, based on retail prices as of 18 December 2025, reflects a market that is largely cooling, with the exception of specific premium items. While the general cost of a Christmas dinner has stabilised, households will see significant relief in the produce aisle, offset by a surge in the price of beef and confectionery.
Sharp declines in agricultural products
The most significant savings for consumers this year are found in the vegetable sector, which has seen a dramatic recovery from the high prices of 2024.
- Vegetables: Fresh tomatoes have seen the most dramatic drop of 45.12%, now averaging €1.40 per kilogram. Fresh potatoes follow with a 22.22% reduction, averaging €1.01 per kilogram.
- Pork: The cost of pork, a central feature of the Cypriot festive table, has also decreased. Pork shoulder (koutala) has fallen 4.92% to an average of €5.24 per kilogram, while pork neck (lapa) with bone is averaging €6.30 per kilogram, a 3.35% drop.
Beef and sweets see seasonal surge
In contrast to the broader cooling trend, beef has emerged as a significant financial outlier. According to the Service, local boneless beef (top-side) is now averaging €15.13 per kilogram—a 15.95% increase from 2024. Local beef steaks have seen an even steeper climb, rising 22.87% to an average of €13.34 per kilogram.
Traditional sweets have also trended higher than last year.
- Confectionery: The average price for melomakarona per kilogram has risen 3.17% to €12.77, while almond kourabiedes have increased 4.87% to €13.09 per kilogram.
- Christmas Cake: Indicative prices for Christmas cake have seen a 6.24% jump, now averaging €14.67 per kilogram.
Extensive market monitoring
To ensure accuracy, the Consumer Protection Service monitored prices across all districts of the Republic, visiting a total of 166 points of sale:
- Fresh Meat: Surveyed at 86 locations, including major supermarkets and neighborhood butcheries.
- Vegetables: Tracked at 35 points of sale, primarily larger retail chains.
- Festive Delicacies: Data gathered from 45 locations, encompassing supermarkets and specialized patisseries.
The Service noted that the observatory is a tool for transparency and competition rather than a specific recommendation. Officials have urged consumers to use the data to conduct their own market research and comparison-shop, particularly as qualitative differences between products cannot be captured in a unified index.
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