CONSUMERS are braving rising prices to stock up on meat for the festive season this year.
Despite marked price rises, traditions have prompted the public into stocking up for those Christmas dinners and in-between feasts.
But the head of the Cyprus Butchers’ Association, Costas Livadiotis, says that there hasn’t been an increase in the cost of all meat products, just turkey.
“Turkey prices have risen mainly because of the recent bird flu phenomenon. Many birds have been killed and so not many have been imported.”
However, the head of the Consumers’ Association Petros Markou says meat prices have risen, and it is all due to the festive season.
“To us, this rise in prices is totally unjustifiable. Lamb, veal and turkey prices have shot up and we believe it is all due to the festive season.”
There are ways for consumers to protect themselves from exploitation, says Markou. “There are alternative solutions. The public could search the meat market and find the best prices. Or they could opt for chicken or pork instead of veal and turkey. The meat is just as tasty and does the same job, whether you want to barbecue it or roast it. Or they could choose imported meat instead of local.”
Butcher Antonis Ioannou says that one reason for the increase in meat prices is basic shortage in livestock.
“Following the outbreak of Scrapie a few years ago – an illness which affects animals’ brains – the EU ordered that all livestock showing symptoms are slaughtered. Many productive animals (mothers) were destroyed. Then, instead of providing farmers with more animals, the government compensated with money. Most butchers who were affected took the money and left the business. Over the years this has created a significant shortage in meat products”.
And we can expect prices to raise further, added Ioannou.
Lamb in particular has shown a significant rise in cost since last year. In December 2004, it cost £3.75-£4.25 per kg while this year it costs £3.85-£4.50 per kg.
The fruit and vegetable market has been up and down. Certain fruit, sugar and nuts have increased in cost since last year. Sugar costs 70 cents per kg this year as opposed to last year’s 55-65 cents/kg.
It’s not all bad news though, as prices of cucumbers and tomatoes have dropped dramatically since last year. Consumers can now buy cucumbers at £0.38-£0.50 per kg, much more appealing than last year’s prices of £0.75-£1 per kg. And tomatoes have gone from a pricy £1.25-£1.70 per kg to a mere £0.32-£0.45 per kg.
