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If you're looking to cut your grocery bill, skipping the middleman and buying directly from local producers might be your best bet. According to data from the Department of Agriculture, shoppers who purchase fruits and vegetables straight from producer organizations pay, on average, 36% less than those buying from retail stores.
The Price Difference Adds Up
The latest figures, published on March 13, show a significant disparity between farm prices and retail prices across 23 commonly purchased products. For instance, if a consumer had purchased one kilogram of each item directly from the source last Thursday, they would have spent €42.31. Buying the same products from a retailer would have cost them €66.07—a difference of €23.76.
Some Prices More Than Double
While the average price gap is striking, some individual products see an even steeper markup by the time they hit supermarket shelves. Here are a few examples:
Cucumbers (hybrid): €0.30 per kilo from producers vs. €0.92 at retail
Regular cucumbers: €0.82 per kilo from producers vs. €1.66 at retail
Carrots: €0.50 per kilo from producers vs. €1.03 at retail
Eggplants: €0.92 per kilo from producers vs. €1.86 at retail
Local bananas: €0.70 per kilo from producers vs. €1.54 at retail
Fresh Produce at a Premium
Certain high-demand fruits and vegetables also experience substantial price hikes:
Strawberries: €4.15 per kilo from producers vs. €7.61 at retail
Cherry tomatoes: €2.75 per kilo from producers vs. €5.02 at retail
Red grapes: €0.63 per kilo from producers vs. €1.21 at retail
White grapes: €0.40 per kilo from producers vs. €0.74 at retail
Green peppers: €2.73 per kilo from producers vs. €3.97 at retail
A Recurring Issue
While a 36% markup is steep, it’s not the worst the market has seen. Cypriot farmers have repeatedly highlighted the major price gap between what they sell their produce for and the inflated prices consumers ultimately pay. The involvement of intermediaries—from wholesalers to supermarkets—continues to drive up costs, leaving shoppers to bear the burden.
For those looking to stretch their grocery budget, seeking out local farmers' markets or producer cooperatives could make a significant difference. As food prices continue to rise, knowing where your food comes from—and how much it really costs—has never been more important.
