Newsroom
Demand for locally produced meat in Cyprus is rising as Easter approaches, with officials reporting that supply levels remain stable and the market is functioning without shortages. Authorities also point to government measures, particularly a support package exceeding €200 million and reduced VAT on essential goods, as helping ease pressure on consumers.
Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, said that both consumers and retailers view these measures positively. Feedback gathered during visits to supermarkets suggests that lower VAT on products such as meat, poultry, and fish is already having a noticeable impact.
In preparation for the holiday period, ministry teams have intensified inspections across the supply chain. Checks are being carried out on fresh produce quality as well as animal products, with veterinary authorities closely monitoring slaughter levels. Current figures are in line with last year, though a slight increase is expected as Easter nears.
Retail prices have remained relatively steady compared to 2025, and officials report no significant gaps in availability. At the same time, inspection data shows only minimal confiscations, indicating general compliance with quality and safety standards.
The minister also stressed the importance of supporting domestic livestock farmers, particularly as the sector faces ongoing challenges, including concerns related to foot-and-mouth disease. She reassured the public that all products reaching consumers undergo strict controls and are safe for consumption.
Market trends indicate a clear preference for domestic goods. Supermarket operators report that Cypriot lamb, in particular, is in high demand, sometimes exceeding initial forecasts based on previous years. As a result, some retailers may need to adjust supply, despite additional imports from countries such as Greece and Romania.
In the fruit and vegetable sector, availability remains strong, with a wide selection on offer. However, prices for certain items have risen slightly, largely due to recent weather conditions affecting production.
As part of monitoring efforts, officials also visited a control point in Dali linked to disease prevention measures. There, they reviewed procedures aimed at limiting the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and acknowledged the continuous, round-the-clock work of staff managing these operations.
