Greek lamb has become increasingly popular among European consumers in recent years, creating upward pressure on its price in the domestic market, according to leading industry experts.

At the same time, lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing three-year war in Ukraine have significantly increased production costs for livestock farmers. Additionally, the recent outbreaks of animal diseases in Greece further contribute to the price surge ahead of Easter.

“The prices of lamb and goat meat have risen due to both external and internal pressures. Challenges such as inflation, animal diseases, and natural disasters are putting the industry to the test. While the situation has not fully stabilized after recent crises, coordinated efforts by the state, producers, the market, and consumers offer room for stabilization,” said Giannis Fasoulas, President of the National Interprofessional Organization of Meat and Livestock (EDOTOKK), in a statement to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).

According to Fasoulas, in 2024, consumers paid up to €14 per kilogram for lamb from butcher shops, while supermarket prices reached up to €11 per kilogram. However, he warned that this price range will not hold this year. “This year, consumers should expect to pay over €15 per kilogram,” he stated, urging Greeks to support local livestock farming by paying the slightly higher price. “Every Greek should contribute an extra €2-3 to support the primary sector and ensure that Greek lamb remains on every Easter table,” he emphasized.

The growing preference for Greek lamb among European consumers has created supply shortages in the domestic market, pushing prices upward. “Foreign traders with greater purchasing power are buying up Greek lamb, reducing the available quantities in Greece and increasing the prices for local consumers,” Fasoulas explained.

Another key factor is the overlap of major religious holidays, such as Ramadan, Catholic Easter, and Orthodox Easter, which drives up global demand for lamb. “During these periods, everyone buys lamb frantically, leading to market shortages,” he added. He noted that Romania, Greece, and to a lesser extent, Hungary, are the main suppliers of lamb to other countries.

Moreover, animal diseases and the devastation caused by Storm Daniel have further strained the market. Fasoulas pointed out that approximately 80,000 livestock animals were lost due to the storm, with only a fraction replaced. When factoring in the animals culled due to disease outbreaks, the gap in the Greek livestock market becomes even more pronounced.

The prohibition of livestock transportation and the closure of slaughterhouses have also contributed to rising consumer prices. “Regions with livestock shortages cannot bring in animals from other areas, leading to either higher prices or supply shortages,” Fasoulas noted.

Fasoulas expressed strong opposition to including lamb in the government’s “Consumer Basket” program, which aims to keep staple food prices low. “If lamb is added to the basket, someone will have to bear the financial loss, and that cannot be the livestock farmers once again,” he stated.

“If the government wants consumers to buy lamb at €8 per kilogram, they should compensate us for the price difference so we can survive,” he suggested.

In conclusion, Fasoulas emphasized the importance of ensuring fair prices that cover production costs without burdening consumers excessively. “This can be achieved through continuous support for domestic production, eliminating market distortions, and reinforcing trust in authentic Greek, high-quality meat. Strengthening the meat sector will enhance its resilience and sustainability, benefiting both the national economy and the country’s food security,” he concluded.