Five largest retail chains in the country earned €20 million last year
Profits of the top five chains reached €20 million as inflation shows mixed pressure on food prices and food imports rise sharply.
Five of the country’s largest retail chains together posted profits of €20 million last year, while consumers continue to feel uneven price pressure across basic food items.
Inflation in September stood at 2.7% year-on-year, yet some food categories rose faster: meat prices were up 6.4%, milk, dairy products and eggs increased by 3.6%, and oils and fats climbed 7.1%.
Market consolidation and consumer effects
The retail sector is undergoing notable restructuring driven by mergers, takeovers and the entry of foreign players. Analysts warn that consolidation can sharpen competition and may push some prices down, but it can also concentrate market power and create new risks for domestic producers.
Observers say the net effect on everyday grocery prices will depend on how the largest chains balance purchasing power, supplier relations and local sourcing. For farmers and smaller food processors, tighter integration with big retail chains can mean better access to markets — or growing dependence on a few dominant buyers.
The food trade balance also highlights structural exposure: in the period from January to August this year, food imports totalled €736 million, almost double the value of exports at €380 million. Policymakers and industry participants point to the need for measures that strengthen domestic production and reduce import dependence.
At the same time, the story of an apple’s journey from Prespa orchards to the table illustrates the lengths and uncertainties behind local food supply: years of tending, months of seasonal work and many variables that determine whether a harvest reaches the shelf and at what price.
Photo: press material from the event
