Rising Meat Prices and Dairy Shortages in Greece: Causes and Consequences

Problems in the dairy industry

Dairy products are the basis of Greek cuisine and its variety includes yoghurts, cheeses , butter andIce cream . However, in recent years, the Greek dairy industry has been in crisis . A decline in the number of farmers and a decrease in the number of cows has led to a decrease in the volume of fresh MILK available for processing. This is creating a shortage, threatening the production of key products such as drinking milk, condensed milk , yogurt, and cheese.

According to industry sources, milk purchase prices remain relatively stable, at €0.5262 per kilogram in February 2024 and €0.55 in February 2025. However, despite this, farmers' profits are minimal, amounting to just a few euro cents per kilogram. This does not allow them to cover rising production costs. Experienced dairy farmer Dimitris Kazanas notes that processing companies set prices, leaving farmers with only a pittance.

Rising MEAT

Prices The situation on the meat market is also causing concern. Livestock shortages, caused by disease outbreaks and declining animal numbers, are leading to a significant increase in meat prices. Farm-gate prices for lambs are around €10 per kilogram, with wholesale prices averaging €13.50 per kilogram, and retail prices rarely falling below €14 per kilogram. Livestock farmer Antonis Tsitsas reports that an outbreak of sheep and goat disease in Thessaly has led to the forced slaughter of over 110,000 animals, further limiting market supply.

Outlook and Challenges:

A combination of factors—a decline in the number of farmers, a reduction in livestock, and disease outbreaks—is putting pressure on both sectors. Experts warn that without farmer support and livestock replenishment programs, negative trends in the dairy and meat industries may persist. Consumers should be prepared for further price increases across a wide range of products.

Greece is on the cusp of significant changes in the agricultural sector, and the current situation requires government and public attention. Support for farmers, investment in agriculture , and livestock replenishment programs could be key to stabilizing the situation. Otherwise, Greek consumers risk facing even higher prices for basic foodstuffs , which will impact not only their budgets but also Greek culinary traditions.