The Greek Association of Bakery and Pastry Businesses (E.E.P.A.Z.) has raised alarm bells regarding the impending disappearance of the traditional bakery and pastry sector, which has been severely impacted by soaring prices for raw materials, energy costs, and new regulatory obligations. The sector is grappling with an unprecedented crisis, which has seen more than 3,000 bakeries, pastry shops, and related businesses close their doors in just the past 30 months, highlighting the urgent need for action.

E.E.P.A.Z. describes the situation as one of suffocation for businesses, noting that many proposals previously ridiculed by critics are now being embraced. The association's commentary points to growing recognition of the challenges they'd been vocal about, emphasizing that industry stakeholders are facing an existential threat if these issues are not addressed quickly and effectively. The enormity of the challenges in the sector, including crippling price hikes and regulatory pressures, paints a dire picture for its future.

The report notes that since the pandemic, the sector has seen unprecedented price increases ranging between 100% to 400% on essential raw materials. This drastic inflation, coupled with escalating operational costs, is crippling many businesses that were once considered staples of the community. The implications of these closures extend beyond the economy; they threaten the cultural fabric of Greece, where traditional baking and pastry-making play an integral role in the social and culinary landscape.