E-Kalathi Costs Assessed by Cyprus Consumer Organization
The Cyprus Consumer Association has released the findings of a recent price comparison evaluation conducted on July 29 to August 3, 2025, covering 267 common items across five major supermarkets: Sklavenitis, Athienitis, Ioannides, Metro, and Alpha Mega, available on the e-Kalathi platform.
The evaluation found that while prices remain consistent within each chain across different districts, there can be differences between chains. The total cost of shopping at Sklavenitis was €926.52, while at Alpha Mega it was €1,049.87, and at Ioannides it was €1,025.85. The total cost at Athienitis was €979.49, and at Metro it was €1,047.76.
Interestingly, the evaluation highlighted significant price differences among the supermarkets, with Alpha Mega having the largest selection of shared products but also the highest total basket prices. Of Alpha Mega's 89 promotional items, 60 were higher than Athienitis' standard prices, and 78 were higher than Sklavenitis' regular prices. This could be due to Alpha Mega's broader product range and service offerings, which might reflect different product mixes or premium items in promotions.
The evaluation also questioned some promotional offers on the e-Kalathi platform, suggesting that promotional pricing does not guarantee the lowest price across all supermarkets. Comparisons can show higher promotional prices at Alpha Mega compared to non-promotional prices elsewhere due to differences in pricing strategy, product selection, and store positioning.
The Cyprus Consumer Association reminded that e-Kalathi became publicly available on June 12, 2025, and encouraged consumers to use the platform for price comparisons before shopping. The evaluation findings were shared by the Cyprus Consumer Association in a statement today.
By August 3, 2025, Athienitis had 16 items on promotion, while Sklavenitis had only 2. This further emphasises the price differences among the supermarkets.
Consumers are advised to be vigilant when shopping and to compare prices across different supermarkets to ensure they are getting the best deals. The e-Kalathi platform provides a valuable tool for this purpose.
- The EU might consider implementing stricter regulations in the Cyprus market, particularly in the retail industry, to address the significant price differences between supermarkets such as Alpha Mega, Sklavenitis, and Ioannides.
- In light of the Cyprus Consumer Association's evaluation, the finance sector could potentially benefit from providing financial education to consumers about smart shopping strategies, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their spending.
- Future research in the Cyprus business sector may focus on investigating the factors contributing to the price differences among supermarkets, with a view to ensuring fair competition and providing consumers with improved options in the industry.
