There was also a marked movement in support of products made in Greece, the survey found, with consumers adopting a more mature stance and showing solidarity with domestic industry and employees. Talking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA), Professor Giorgos Baltas reported that PL products now account for 36% of the household basket, up from 33% in 2023. "This is the highest percentage ever recorded in the 19 years we have been conducting the survey...The  private label share of the basket of goods is well above 30% of the codes that go into the consumer basket. In other words, three in 10 products bought are private label," he pointed out. The survey also showed a steady rise in the share of Greek products in the basket, Baltas reported: "Consumers' preferences for products made in Greece were not affected by the negative climate of this period. This showed that Greek production is not a more expensive purchasing choice and preferences for it are resilient over time." Up to 81% of those responding to the survey said they prefer Greek products over imported products when these were available. Additionally, 66% believe there is a shift by consumers toward products made in Greece, while 89% said they want packaging to indicate whether a product is made in Greece. Also, 65% believe that Greek products are safer and better quality, 93% believe that by choosing Greek products they support production in the country and 83% believe that choosing Greek products helps reduce unemployment. Baltas said that the constantly rising pressure on household budgets since 2021 is changing purchasing habits, with the vast majority (90.3%) reporting that they are struggling financially as a result of higher supermarket prices. Consumers are turning to cheaper goods and restricting purchases, while half report that they buy only "absolutely essential" goods and one in 10 say that they cannot afford even the basics. Asked to identify who was most to blame for excessive price hikes, the majority (68%) picked multinational companies, with big supermarket chains in second place (24.2%). A much smaller percentage blamed domestic manufacturers (6.9%) and very few blamed small shops (0.9%). The survey also calculated the average amount spent at each supermarket visit, finding that this had risen 14.7% to 70 euros, from 61 euros the previous year. This increase reflects the increased cost of products due to inflation. Similarly, average monthly spending was 370 euros, up from 324 euros in 2023, while 75% of consumers spend up to 450 euros a month. The increase in spending reflects the rise in prices, which has been much higher in the specific sector than the general consumer price index. Regarding which supermarkets they use, only 58% use one supermarket regularly, while the rest spread their purchases over several supermarkets and 93.2% use up to three different stores. The average number of visits to a supermarket is six a month, unchanged since 2023, with the majority shopping four times a month and 86% shopping up to 8 times a month. Consumers are making additional efforts to avoid impulse buys, with 89.4% reporting that they have already decided what to purchase before they enter a physical or electronic supermarket, in efforts to more carefully manage their available income in the face of inflation. As regards choice of brands, 50.5% have decided in advance. The survey also asked those responding to identify which are their key criteria when choosing products. The four top criteria were listed as quality, price, discounts and Greek origin, which have steadily occupied the four top spots in the annual survey. In their choice of supermarket, the survey showed that quality of merchandise, prices, discounts and ease of access were the most important. Regarding the 'Household Basket' for lower-price goods, consumers appeared divided over its usefulness. The survey showed that 53.5% consider the measure useful and only 52.8% actually shop goods that are in the basket. However, the acceptance of the measure by one in two consumers, according to the survey, shows that its impact is not insignificant and that its implementation interests a large portion of consumers.

The Lent Basket, which is an extension of the Household Basket, includes the basic food staples households will use during the 40-day fast leading to Greek Orthodox Easter, with lower prices of goods consumed during the period of Lent. The three categories of food include: Halva, fasting dips (without meat and dairy ingredients), and frozen seafood (at least two products). It is reminded that for the product categories included in the "household basket," retailers must send the Ministry of Development the relevant list of products every week, including at least one product from each product category included in the "household basket."  Where provided, retailers must include in the list sent to the ministry at least one branded product. Businesses that do not offer branded products to the consumer in the respective category are exempt from this obligation. Consumers can check retailers' prices before shopping on the ministry's platform, https://e-katanalotis.gov.gr/ .

In the last few hours, farmers, breeders and beekeepers are organizing every detail for their smooth entry into the capital in view of the huge rally, having on their side labor unions, students and mass organizations of Attica. In most areas, the coordinating bodies of the rural associations have met and decided on the means of transport they will use for their descent to Athens. According to information from MEGA, the farmers will start on Monday from the 2 central blocks, Karditsa (E65) and Platykambos. On Tuesday morning, the blockades together with the farmers of the whole country will start heading for Athens, where a rally at the Syntagma has been set for 18:30. Earlier, at 17:30, there will be a rally in Omonia. The pre-gatherings are scheduled for the afternoon as follows: Omonia: Federations and unions of workers in the Food - Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Press - Paper and Textile industries, Unions of Workers in the Energy, Water and Chemical Industry, Federation of Craft Unions of Attica, Unions and Associations of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants, mass organizations of the municipalities of Attica. Santaroza Square (opposite REX): Unions of workers in Telecommunications, Couriers, Finance, Federation and unions of Accountants - Auditors, Union of Salaried Lawyers, workers in the media, Association of Commercial Employees of Athens, Union of Private Employees of Athens, Union of Artists, Union of Cleaners - Cleaners. Propylaia: Federations and Unions of public sector workers, Student Associations. Employees in the private sector of Health and Education. Associations of Training Students Constitution: Lavrio Labor Center, Piraeus Labor Center, Builders' Federation and Union, Construction Unions, Food - Tourism - Hotel Employees Union, Metal and Shipbuilding Industry Union, Shipping Unions, Dockers Unions and Urban Transport Workers Unions, mass organizations of Southern and Eastern Suburbs, Federations and Unions of Pensioners, Federation of Women of Greece. Meetings upon meetings at EL.AS (police) In the official meeting that took place on Sunday morning under the leadership of EL.AS, the operational plan was discussed, i.e. the way the authorities will manage the descent of farmers in Athens with tractors and buses. The aim is, as police sources say, for the rally to take place smoothly and not to disrupt, as much as possible, the economic and social life in the capital. Care will also be taken for a specific space to park the vehicles that will come to Athens. The thermometer is rising in the government In Maximos, the thermometer has gone up, while official meetings are ongoing at the Police headquarters for the measures to be taken on Tuesday (20/02). According to police sources, uncontrolled movement of tractors will not be allowed in the capital, while there will also be a police escort on the farmers' vehicles, both on the route from the blocks to the capital, and vice versa. Voridis: We satisfied most requests The political leadership, for its part, declares itself ready to continue the dialogue, whenever the farmers want it. On the occasion of the cutting of the New Year's pie of the local organization of the New Democracy, the Minister of State Makis Voridis from the akritic Florina, referred to the agricultural mobilizations, saying: "Most of the demands of the farmers have been satisfied. We would like to satisfy the whole but there is not the fiscal space to do so. The vast majority of farmers know that this government is doing everything it can – and has proven – to stand by the farmers and keep them producing,” improving, among other things, their income, he emphasized. We have said what we had to say as a government, but beyond that, of course every branch and every class has the right, within the framework of legality, to express and formulate their demands". 3-hour blockade of Egnatia In the meantime, the farmers on the Egnatia road, in Halkidiki and Imathia, proceeded to new blockades. Specifically, at 6:00 pm on Sunday, olive producers of Halkidiki blocked Egnatia road from both sides, at the junction of Moudania, while in Imathia, Egnatia was blocked shortly before 7 pm, with a block of farmers at the Niselio junction . The farmers staged a pedestrian protest, while traffic on Egnatia street in both areas were  restored after 8 pm.

Hellenic Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament the diesel measure would cost the state 82 million euros ($89.31 million) in 2024 and announced additional steps to help farmers. "Things will improve for our farmers... and solving their problems is in the heart of our government's priorities," he said. Farmers have been setting up blockades in central and northern Greece, echoing protests by farmers in other parts of Europe, and have threatened to step up their action unless the government helps them cope with higher energy prices and the growing impact of climate change. Mitsotakis, who met protesting farmers in central Greece this week, said PPC, Greece's biggest power utility, would offer an extra 10% rebate on electricity for farmers from May to September. The government also promised that farmers' overdue power and water bills will be settled. Farmers said the actions announced were not enough and unions will convene after a planned rally on Saturday to decide their next moves. "The measures ... are not adequate. We want a permanent tax exemption on diesel," said Rizos Maroudas, president of the farmers federation in Larissa in central Greece. Thousands of farmers in Thessaly, one of Greece's breadbasket regions, saw swathes of crops and thousands of animals submerged in flood water when 2 rainstorms hit the area in September. Sixteen people died in the floods. Mitsotakis said the state will spend in total 3.3 billion euros over the coming years to repair damage in Thessaly.  

Specifically, the following products are included in the "Christmas Basket": - Turkey - Chocolate - Greek sweet bread - King pie (bun) - Lamb - Goat It is noted that the list of existing products in the "Household Basket" remains as is. That is: 1 Rice 2 Bread for toast 3 Loaf of bread (standard/packaged) 4 toasts 5 Spaghetti No. 6 6 All purpose flour 7 Legumes (lentils) 8 Legumes (beans) 9 Legumes (chickpeas) 10 Paris 11 Turkey (cold cuts) 12 Frozen fish 13 Fresh pork (packaged or not) 14 Fresh chicken (packaged or not) 15 Fresh beef (packaged or not) 16 Fresh whole milk 17 Fresh low-fat milk 18 Highly pasteurized milk (long shelf life) whole 19 Highly pasteurized (long-life) low-fat milk 20 Evaporated milk 21 Unflavored cow's milk yogurt 22 Unflavored low-fat cow's milk yogurt 23 Sliced feta cheese 24 White cheese 25 Gouda cheese 26 Low-fat cheese 27 Preserved tomato juice 28 Eggs (cage and barn) 29 Margarines 30 Olive oil 31 Sunflower oil 32 Frozen vegetables (at least two of peas, okra, green beans) 33 White sugar 34 Sweeteners suitable for diabetics 35 Oat products (at least one) 36 Baby cream 37 Infant milk 38 Greek coffee 39 Instant coffee 40 French coffee 41 Orange juice 42 Laundry detergents (liquid and powder - not tablets) 43 Detergents for mopping and cleaning surfaces - bleaches 44 Dishwashing detergents for hand washing 45 Kitchen paper 46 Toilet paper 47 Toothpastes 48 Sanitary napkins or tampons 49 Shampoo 50 Soaps in solid state 51 Incontinence diapers 52 Diapers for babies 53 Baby wipes 54 Baby shampoo 55 Dog food 56 Foods for cats

The specific measure had been extended to December 31st, 2023, but its further extension for another 6 months was considered necessary.

Saturday 30th of September and Sunday 1rst of October 2023 from 11:00 to 23:00 at the Technopolis of the Municipality of Athens, the Vegan Life Festival Athens awaits you with free entry. What will you find at the Vegan Life Festival Athens 2023? Speeches by experts in every scientific field, sportsmen and women as well as people active in the Vegan community Cooking workshops by Vegan chefs and food bloggers Activities for children of all ages Art exhibition and visual events Live music events Speed dating with motto "let's be friends" to help network and strengthen relationships within the community Exhibition of Vegan products and services, food, cosmetics, clothing, ecological items, etc. Organization of the sports competition Greece's strongest human - strongman event by the team of @circus.strongman.experience Swap clothing bazaar and clothing collection in collaboration with @fabricrepublic_gr Food collection for vulnerable social groups in collaboration with @humanitygreece Free, anonymous and quick hiv tests and Hepatitis tests from ref. checkpoint @my.checkpoint Migrant kitchens in collaboration with @greekforumofmigrants Activist groups for animal rights And many more! How can you miss this? Sat. &Sun. , 11:00 - 23:00. Free entrance.   Technopolis City of Athens (Athens, Greece)

September 21-24 and October 28-1 at the Depot in Gazi! Burger Fest, the first and largest food festival in Greece dedicated to burgers, returns for the ninth time for two juicy and tasty four days. More than 15 burger houses, sweet treats and cocktails await us at Amaxostasios from 21-24/9 & 28-01/10 for an experience full of fun activities such as challenges, cook-off battles, games, photo opportunities and as always explosive live musical acts. When: September 21, 2023 - October 1, 2023 THURSDAY 17:00 - 23:59 FRIDAY 17:00 - 23:59 SATURDAY 13:00 - 23:59 SUNDAY 13:00 - 23:59 Tickets: From €6.50   Where? Pireos & Ermou , 10553, Palio Amaksostasio (Old Depot OSY) Phone: +302104270810

Today, like every Wednesday, the supermarket chains participating in the measure - which is entering its 25th week of application - post their updated lists on the e-consumer. As pointed out last week by the Minister of Development, Adonis Georgiadis, for the fourth consecutive week an average decrease of approximately 1% was recorded. “So, we have about a 5% drop in a month on average in the value of the basket. In other words, not only do the prices remain stable, but they also go down" he added. However, food prices in any case and beyond the "household basket" continue to put pressure on consumers as they remain high, with ELSTAT data showing an increase in this category by 14.3% on an annual basis. Dairy products and eggs: (23.1%), Meat (19.8%), Oils and Fats: (17.5%), Bread and Cereals (15.6%) lead the race for price appreciation according to the same figures. It is also recalled that it was deemed necessary by the Ministry of Development to give a three-month extension to the "Household Basket" which will now be valid until June 30. However, in terms of how consumers see the effectiveness of the "basket", according to a survey conducted by the company Rass in collaboration with Netrino and presented at the recent Food Retail Summit 2023, 20.8% answered that it has performed or that has probably paid off. 4.9% answered that "it probably hasn't worked", while 64.8% answered that "it hasn't worked". Finally, 8.3% of the survey participants answered that they do not know the measure.

Commenting, Development and Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis said that for 89.95% of the goods included in the basket, prices have either dropped or stayed unchanged. Moreover, the prices of the household basket in Greek supermarkets remain lower than in France, England, Italy and Spain, according to research by the Research Institute of Consumer Goods Retail (IELKA). Specifically, comparing prices based on data from price comparison platforms in each country, but also on invoices from supermarket chains, prices in France were 18% higher than in Greece, in Britain they were 7% higher, in Spain by 3%, in Italy by 7%, while in Portugal the prices are approximately at the same levels as in Greece. The picture of the results changes significantly if VAT is removed, which is different per country. Comparing the baskets shows that all 6 countries have a more expensive average basket than Greece, France by 26%, the UK by 17%, Italy by 20%, Spain by 11% and Portugal by 2% .

It is recalled that the "household basket", in accordance with current legislation and based on the approval given by the Competition Commission, lasts until March 31st, 2023. As competent sources of the Ministry of Development point out to CNN Greece, probably next week there will be the relevant legislation to extend the measure and then, in view of the Easter season, to create the "Easter basket" in the supermarkets as well as the "godfather's basket" » in game stores. At the same time, today the "household basket" enters its 18th week of application, while correspondingly, the "Lent basket" is applied for the second week, with supermarkets renewing their lists today. What will the "Easter basket" contain The "Easter basket" will essentially take the place of the "Lent basket", a few days before Easter and will be created to meet the needs of consumers when shopping for food for their Easter table. Competent officials of the Ministry of Development note to CNN Greece that this new "basket" is expected to include additional items in the meat category, lamb and goat, as well as tsoureki and chocolate eggs. The "godfather's basket" As far as the "godfather's basket" is concerned, it will work similarly to the one implemented during the Christmas period, in toy stores. The categories of toys it will include are expected to be similar to those in "Santa's basket". At the same time, the candles will also be added for the purchases of the godparents in their christenings. It is recalled that the categories in the "Santa's basket" were: Board / Puzzles, Toys with dolls, dollhouses and other accessories (pretend toys), Baby toys, Action figures, Construction and creation toys (eg brick toys), Vehicles – RC, Electronic toys, Sports toys (e.g. balls, children's basketballs and goals), stuffed animals, and musical toys.

According to what has been announced, the first charter flights will start on March 11th, 2023, and based on the messages arriving from the tourist markets, the season is expected to be particularly dynamic with corresponding benefits for the local economy. The biggest problem that exists and for which efforts are being made to solve it is the lack of employees. "It is estimated that there is a staff shortage in hotel units and tourism businesses of between 3,500 and 5,000 workers," the president of the Labor Center of Rhodes Panagiotis Englesos said, who pointed out that efforts are being made to find staff mainly from Northern Greece. Already the Labor Center in collaboration with the Union of Hoteliers of Rhodes and with the assistance of Labor Centers of Northern Greece are organizing information days. Referring to the issue, the president of the center, Panagiotis Englesos said: "In the next period, the applications for re-employment by the hotel employees will be completed. The picture we have is that the majority of colleagues have applied for re-employment. This means that we will again have a problem with the staffing of hotels and seasonal businesses. Several thousands came every year to our island and especially to southern Rhodes to work in the hotels. Their number had at some point reached about 4,000. This was also the reason why there was a big shortage after the pandemic in our hotels. Due to the pandemic, these people did not come, they were afraid or changed their profession and turned elsewhere to have income. I believe that we will have good results and we will manage to convince our colleagues to come to Rhodes again so that the request submitted by the Hoteliers' Union, but also by other entrepreneurs in our region, to bring thousands of workers from third-world countries does not go ahead and to be employed in the businesses of Rhodes." The Rhodes Hotel Association participates in the seminars with the slogan, "Work in one of the top tourist destinations in the world with the longest season" and its representatives will inform those who attend about the demand for staff of all specialties from our hotels in Rhodes emphasizing that: - The local collective labor agreement with the highest wages in the country will be applied and - Accommodation and food will be provided to the workers. Moreover, the country in general asking for labor to be imported from abroad for tourism and food service employement. Specifically, hospitality employers are asking for the importing of at least 80,000 workers from third-world countries, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Balkans, with the aim of filling vacant positions. According to data from the tourism and food service industries, last season vacancies reached 60,000, with Greece now proceeding with interstate agreements, such as that recently voted on by the Parliament with Egypt, for foreign citizens to come to Greece for the purpose of employment in the agricultural sector. In total, it is estimated that more than 100,000 workers from other countries could come to Greece and fill job vacancies at hotels, in specific positions at food service companies (in the kitchens), in reception areas, as waiters, as well as vacancies in positions such as outdoor laborers. With the domestic economy having overcome the pandemic, the number of Greek companies looking for workers is increasing, but they are facing great difficulty in finding the right staff. These are businesses that operate primarily in hospitality, retail, IT or the agricultural sector. In fact, according to analysts, this is neither a new nor a uniquely Greek phenomenon. Therefore employers are asking the Hellenic Labor Ministry for approval to bring workers to Greece for the summer. Workers’ representatives have protested strongly, arguing that 80,000 foreign workers would alter the labor landscape in terms of both labor rights and wages. The Supreme Labor Council (ASE) declared itself noncompetent to issue an opinion on the matter. It should be noted that at hotels alone, the shortage of workers in 2021 exceeded 53,000, and reached 60,000 in 2022. A pilot agreement with the government of Egypt, so that Greek employers (mainly in the agricultural sector) can bring farm laborers from Egypt each year to cover their needs in the primary sector, was recently sanctioned by Parliament. During the first year of the agreement’s implementation, the number of Egyptian workers could reach up to 5,000.