Greek beef prices rise 28.4% since December 2024 as EU production falls
Greek beef prices were 28.4% higher in July 2026 than in December 2024, with most of the increase occurring during 2025. Costlier imports and declining EU cattle production are keeping wholesale and retail prices near their highs.
Price growth slows without reversing
Beef prices in Greece were 28.4% higher in July 2026 than in December 2024, according to data reported by Pelop.gr. Most of that increase occurred in 2025, when prices rose 26.9%. The market added a further 1.2% between December 2025 and July 2026, indicating that inflation slowed sharply but did not produce a meaningful decline from the previous year's highs.
A basket of beef costing €100 in December 2024 would have cost €128.40 in July 2026 if it followed the average increase. The actual price varies by product, cut and retailer, but the comparison illustrates the scale of the adjustment faced by households and meat buyers.
Annual inflation also eased as the comparison base changed. Beef was 25.4% more expensive year on year in January 2026 and 14.3% more expensive in July. That decline in the annual rate does not represent an 11.1-percentage-point fall in shelf prices: July 2026 was being compared with July 2025, when the earlier price surge was already under way.
Import costs pass through to Greece
Greece depends heavily on imported beef because domestic production covers only a smaller share of demand. Higher prices in other European markets therefore move through import contracts into Greek wholesale prices and ultimately into retail.
In 2025, Greece paid more than 25% extra for approximately the same volume of imported fresh beef, Pelop.gr reported. Frozen beef imports increased by only 5% in volume, while their total value jumped 48%. The country imported slightly more frozen product but paid substantially more for it. The value of Greek imports of all meat categories exceeded €2 billion.
These figures point to pressure on importers, processors and retailers even as the pace of consumer inflation moderates. With replacement supplies remaining expensive, slower price growth does not automatically create room for large wholesale discounts. Buyers also face exposure to production conditions across the wider European market.
EU cattle supply remains constrained
EU beef production declined 2.2% by volume in the first four months of 2026, while the number of cattle sent for slaughter fell 4.3%. The European Commission expects production to decline further in 2026 and 2027 as the herd contracts. It also expects prices to remain high despite some easing at the beginning of 2026.
Feed, energy, transport, labour and veterinary expenses are adding to the supply constraint. Cattle production also has a long biological cycle, preventing farmers from increasing available animals quickly in response to higher prices. Outside Europe, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization recorded a strong rise in international beef prices during 2025 as demand increased and availability remained limited in major supplying countries. Its overall global meat price index averaged 5.1% above 2024, reinforcing the risk that Greek import costs and beef prices will remain elevated.
