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Supermarket Price Comparison: An €87 Differential Highlights Value Discrepancies

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 30, 2025

Introduction

A recent analysis by the Cypriot Consumer Association has revealed a significant price differential of €87 between the most and least expensive supermarket chains. The study, based on 234 common products listed on e-kalathi, provides a detailed look at how key retail players compare on everyday items.

Study Methodology

The research was carried out on September 28, examining price points across leading supermarket chains including Sklavenitis, Athinainitis, Ioannidis, Metro, and Alpha Mega—all of which share a broad range of identical products. By systematically comparing 234 products and further dissecting several specific product categories, the study offers a clear snapshot of the current market landscape.

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Key Findings by Category

The analysis indicates that Sklavenitis emerged as the most competitively priced chain. Overall, the 234 products averaged €930.60 at Sklavenitis compared to €1017.05 at Alpha Mega. Second in affordability, Athinainitis was priced at €958.91, closely followed by Ioannidis and Metro, which recorded values just above €1000.

Dairy And Processed Products

When examining 38 common items—including yogurts, cheeses, and similar offerings—Sklavenitis again led with an average cost of €106.82. Alpha Mega, however, was the priciest at €116.54, with Athinainitis, Ioannidis, and Metro falling between these benchmarks.

Beverages

The study further analyzed 36 non-alcoholic beverages, including soft drinks, coffee, water, and juices. Prices ranged from €121.02 at Sklavenitis to €132.67 at Alpha Mega, reinforcing the chain-wide trend of pricing variability.

Fresh Milk And Bakery Items

A comparison of 17 types of fresh milk revealed modest price differences, with Sklavenitis at €36.44 and Alpha Mega at €37.81. In the bakery category, based on 17 products, Sklavenitis and Athinainitis were nearly identical at €50.48 and €50.79, respectively, while Metro reached €55.05.

Personal Care Products

For 28 personal care items—ranging from shampoos to toilet paper—Sklavenitis maintained its cost leadership at €139.81, while Alpha Mega again topped the price scale at €157.77. The other chains displayed intermediate pricing, underscoring consistent market differentials.

Product Availability Trends

The study also noted a slight reduction in the overall number of products listed on e-kalathi in September, compared with August. Most chains experienced a small decline in product count, with the exception of Pop Life, which saw an increased inventory. This trend is indicative of broader inventory management practices within the sector.

Conclusion

The findings highlight not only a marked price disparity within the supermarket industry but also the importance of continued consumer oversight. The Cypriot Consumer Association has pledged to monitor price developments on e-kalathi with transparency and diligence, ensuring that consumers remain informed in an ever-evolving retail landscape.

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Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2026

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

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The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.