The Association of Merchants of the Central Vegetable Market of Athens, in view of the winter and the season of production and distribution of apples, issued a notice in which it states the prices at all stages of production and distribution for this product.

As noted in the announcement, “often, apple producers as well as consumers wonder how it is possible for a kilo of apples (starkin) to start its journey from the field at a price of 0.70 euros per kilo and end up on the shelf at a price of – at least – 1.70 euros per kilo”.

SEKLA reports that the course of the price is as follows:

– 0.70 euro/kg producer

– 0.10 euro/kg harvest workers

– 0.20 euro/kg storage, refrigerators

– 0.15 euros/kg workers for transfer from refrigerator to crate

– 0.07 euro/kg for transport (depending on the amount of fuel)

– 0.35 euro/kg packaging costs

– 0.13 euro/kg VAT, freight charges, sorting, fire, traders’ profit.

The sum of the above is 1.70 euros.

That is to say, notes SEKLA, a kilo of apples reaches this price – at least – to the consumer, a fact that cannot be disputed as the multiple costs cannot be eliminated even if the entire process is undertaken by a cooperative.

As an illustrative example, the Zagora cooperative is mentioned, which, as stated, “produces the best Greek PDO product in the category, the Zagora apple, and does not allow a kilo of apples to leave the packing houses, below the price of 1.35 euro/kg”.

In his statement, the president of SEKLA, Nikos Kalogris, says: “Many times we hear in the public debate about the burden on fruits and vegetables from excessive fees, which on the one hand cause producers to be surprised and consumers to resent the high prices in acquiring the goods. The example that SEKLA gives to the public reveals the whole truth, so that journalists know and do not misinform consumers, producers and the state about the value of our products”.