IELKA: Supermarket inflation at 1.14% in May

The survey, which is based on the analysis of actual sales data from major supermarket chains, records an increase in the price index of 1.14% in May 2026 compared with the same month in 2025. On a monthly basis, prices rose by 0.29% compared with April, while the rolling twelve-month period (May 2025 – April 2026) showed an increase of 1.79%.

According to data from the Hellenic Institute of Retail Consumer Goods (IELKA), approximately half of the overall inflationary pressure stems from the category of fresh fruits and vegetables, which was significantly affected by adverse weather conditions and seasonality in recent months. By contrast, other product categories recorded limited fluctuations, reflecting a broader trend of price stabilisation in organised retail.

Out of the 23 product categories examined, 10 recorded price increases and 13 recorded decreases.

Largest price decreases

The most significant price reductions were observed in frozen products, which fell by 4.37%, followed by pet food and pet supplies (-3.20%), fresh and frozen dough products (-1.92%), detergents and cleaning products (-1.42%), and paper goods, cosmetics and personal hygiene items (-1.41%).

IELKA notes that these declines are linked both to the normalisation of market conditions and to reductions in producer prices in specific product categories.

Categories with the largest price increases

On the other hand, the most notable increases were recorded in fresh fruits and vegetables (+8.59%), baby and infant food (+5.05%), processed meats (+4.14%), fresh meat (+3.64%), and ready meals (+3.64%).

The sharp rise in fruit and vegetable prices is mainly attributed to adverse weather conditions prevailing from the beginning of the year through early May, with increased rainfall, low temperatures, and flooding affecting production and delaying the availability of the new harvest.

Notably, excluding fresh fruit and vegetables, the remaining 22 product categories recorded an overall inflation rate of just 0.45%, highlighting the relatively subdued price dynamics across most of the market.

Why supermarket prices are being contained

IELKA attributes the overall containment of prices to three main factors. First, economies of scale achieved by large retail chains through high sales volumes and technological organisation. Second, the high inventory turnover rate, which allows for faster adjustment to changes in procurement prices. Third, the growing share of private label products, which offer more competitive pricing and strengthen competition in the market.

The survey is based on the analysis of unit sales values per product category and reflects both price developments and consumer purchasing behaviour. Its objective is the systematic monitoring of inflationary trends in organised food retail, which now constitutes the primary distribution channel for consumer goods in the Greek market.