Supermarkets have strongly rejected allegations by the Cyprus Consumers Association of price “cooking” and consumer misleading through the e-kalathi platform, insisting that no selective discounts or manipulation practices are taking place.
Responding to the claims, the Pancyprian Supermarkets Association dismissed the accusations as unfounded and argued that attempts are being made to create misleading impressions around a tool which, it says, has already failed to attract significant consumer interest.
Calls for evidence, not accusations
Speaking to Economy Today, the association’s executive secretary Andreas Hadjiadamou said the claims lack proper documentation and called on those making them to present specific evidence and data.
He stressed that public accusations harm the sector and should be avoided unless backed by concrete proof.
No “price cooking”
Referring directly to supermarket practices, Hadjiadamou stated that “supermarkets do not engage in price cooking under any circumstances”.
He added that if genuine suspicions exist, these should be submitted to the relevant authorities and the ministry for investigation, rather than repeated publicly in a way that creates unjustified controversy.
“Everyone must act more responsibly when it comes to the market and avoid leaving insinuations or accusations against any link in the supply chain,” he said.
Why product numbers are limited
Addressing criticism over the limited number of products listed by some large chains on e-kalathi, Hadjiadamou explained that this is due to objective difficulties faced by the sector.
Supermarkets manage thousands of product codes on a daily basis, making full registration on a digital platform technically challenging. At the same time, constant changes in stock availability, shortages, and replenishments mean the tool often fails to accurately reflect real shelf prices.
Call for platform review
The Supermarkets Association, which had expressed reservations about e-kalathi from the outset, is now calling for a comprehensive review of the platform.
Hadjiadamou acknowledged that the tool has not delivered the expected results, pointing to serious shortcomings that explain the low level of public engagement. He said the association supports a re-examination of both the legislation and the platform’s operation through meaningful dialogue.
If the measure is to remain in place, he argued, it must become reliable and functional for both the market and society.
Also read: E-kalathi prices under scrutiny, consumers warn
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