A recent survey by the Institute for Retail Consumer Goods (IELKA) indicates that Greek supermarkets offer the lowest prices among supermarket chains in the European Union. This conclusion is drawn from a comprehensive price comparison study that analyzed over 6,000 product prices across 40 categories in countries like France, England, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Romania, and Bulgaria. The data reflects consumer baskets containing both branded and private label products, focusing solely on supermarkets and not including other retail points of sale.

The survey reveals that Greece's average shopping basket prices stand out as considerably lower than those in other European countries. Specifically, the study highlights that Germany's basket is 35% more expensive than Greece's, while France's basket costs 34% more. These stark differences underscore the competitive pricing strategies employed by Greek supermarkets, which may be attributed to various economic factors influencing the local market.

This price comparison not only presents implications for consumers in terms of savings when shopping in Greece but also raises questions for policymakers and supermarket chains in other EU nations regarding pricing strategies and competition. By maintaining lower prices, Greece’s supermarkets may attract both local shoppers and potential tourists looking for cost-effective shopping options, thus impacting the overall retail landscape in Europe.