Greece bakeries face closures and price hikes amid rising costs

Approximately 1,500 bakeries in Greece have closed over the last three years, according to representatives from the Hellenic Federation of Bakers and the General Confederation of Hellenic Traders and Craftsmen. Of these closures, 1,200 are attributed to economic difficulties and 300 to a lack of successors. The broader sector of confectionery and related crafts has seen roughly 5,000 closures in the same period.

Rising operational costs are cited as a primary driver. Energy costs have increased by 35% to 40%, with electricity prices rising from approximately 0.21 euros per kilowatt-hour in September 2025 to between 0.264 and 0.29 euros currently. Additionally, raw material costs have risen by 10% to 15%. These pressures have led to warnings of potential increases in bread prices.

The Federation is also calling for legislative changes to redefine the term ‘bakery’ to distinguish traditional bakeries from ‘bake off’ points, which have seen 600 new openings in the last three years, half of which belong to large industrial bakeries. Industry leaders are seeking government subsidies for energy costs to mitigate the impact on consumers.