# Economic crisis in the Greek bakery sector

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/economic-crisis-in-the-greek-bakery-sector
> Updated: 2026-10-16T10:45:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

The Greek bakery sector continues to face severe economic strain, with approximately 1,500 bakeries closing nationwide over the last three years. While industry leaders previously cited rising energy and raw material costs as primary drivers, recent warnings from the Association of Bakers of Athens, Suburbs, and Surrounding Areas indicate that energy-related expenses have climbed by 40% to 50%.

During a bread festival at Klathmonos Square marking World Bread Day, Iasonas Kaplanis, president of the Athens association, highlighted that these skyrocketing costs threaten the economic viability and social role of local neighborhood bakeries. Despite efforts by bakers to absorb price increases to protect consumers, the financial pressure remains unsustainable.

In Larissa, the crisis is reflected in imminent warnings of bread price increases of up to 10%. Alexandros Goulios, President of the Larissa Bakers' Guild, noted that monthly business expenses have risen by approximately 3,500 euros. The local industry, which employs 2,420 people directly and up to 3,500 including suppliers, has already seen 20 recent closures.

Industry representatives continue to seek government intervention through the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen & Merchants (GSVEE), specifically requesting electricity subsidies and VAT reductions. Without such support, bakers warn that small local establishments may face extinction, potentially shifting consumer demand toward large supermarkets.

## Claims

- Bread prices are expected to increase by up to 10% in the coming days. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Monthly business expenses for companies in the sector have increased by 3,500 euros. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Twenty bakeries have closed in the Larissa region in recent years. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A total of 1,500 bakeries have closed throughout Greece. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- There are 2,420 employees working in the operating bakeries of Larissa. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The total number of people involved in the Larissa bakery cycle, including suppliers, is 3,500. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Greek bakers warn of industry crisis due to energy costs

Greek bakers warn that rising energy costs have led to 1,500 bakery closures in three years, threatening the survival of traditional local bakeries.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-bakers-warn-of-industry-crisis-due-to-energy-costs

### 2026-10-12: Larissa bakers warn of up to 10% bread price increases

Bakers in Larissa, Greece, warn of up to 10% bread price increases due to rising energy and raw material costs, citing a need for government subsidies to prevent further bakery closures.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-bakers-warn-of-up-to-10-bread-price-increases

### 2026-10-07: Greece bakeries face closures and price hikes amid rising costs

Greek bakeries face a crisis as 1,500 shops closed in three years due to rising energy and raw material costs, leading to warnings of potential bread price increases.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-bakeries-face-crisis-as-1500-shops-close-in-three-years

---
Cite as: Economic crisis in the Greek bakery sector. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/economic-crisis-in-the-greek-bakery-sector