Summer 2025: Greeks spend an average of 150 euros on food purchases - They prefer local products
Thursday, June 12, 2025
One in two Greeks plan to take vacations this summer according to research published by the Retail Consumer Goods Research Institute (IELKA). Most of those planning vacations expect to be away for 8 to 14 days, while 24% of them for 4 to 7 days. The average vacation time for those who ultimately travel is 11.3 days.
The majority of the public chooses country houses, either as guests (31%) or as accommodation (23%). 21% choose to stay in rental rooms and only 7% choose hotel accommodation (6% without meals and 1% with full board). 5% choose camping and the same percentage chooses travel abroad. The most expensive options, such as all-inclusive hotels and cruises, gather extremely low percentages.
Regarding destinations, mainland Greece near coastal areas attracts the majority (60%), followed by islands (28%). Mountainous mainland areas are a choice for 12% of travelers, while 9% consider vacations abroad.
One in two Greeks cooks during their vacation
Consumers appear to be adopting more economical solutions, with 50% stating they cook frequently during their vacations and 62% systematically visiting supermarkets or mini markets. At the same time, 71% visit bakeries and bread shops. Particularly significant is the fact that more than half (53%) state they prefer to buy local products and spend on average 24 euros on tourist items and 25 euros on non-tourist items (such as clothes, household items, or technological products). In contrast, there is significantly increased spending on food outside of dining, which amounts to 153 euros. Overall, spending exceeds 200 euros.
48% of consumers choose large supermarket chains
61% of the public states they will reduce their spending on purchases this year and 68% say that reduced disposable income is the most decisive constraint, followed by increased ticket costs (32%) and accommodation costs (30%). The rise in dining costs (22%) and fuel costs (16%) also has an impact, albeit to a lesser degree, suggesting that travelers mainly avoid long-distance travel and consumption outside the home. Regarding points of sale, 60% of respondents state they source food from bakeries and bread shops, while large (48%) and small (43%) supermarket chains are also found in high percentages. At the same time, noteworthy is the 32% that prefers mini markets.
Elisavet Papouliou
Source: FoodReporter June 19th 2025 #1431, page 4.