Increased thefts in Greek grocery stores cost them losses of 320 million euros

The rate of theft from Greek grocery stores has jumped, costing shops more than 320 million euros a year, exceeding the sector’s total pre-tax profits, as income pressures from years of inflation push families to the breaking point.

The losses represent more than 2% of the grocery sector’s total annual revenue, which exceeded 16 billion euros in 2025. When this is added to damaged products and shrinkage of inventory, the total losses reach about 400 million euros, or about 2.5% of revenue, according to inventory audits conducted by major grocery chains.

The scale of the problem exceeds the industry’s profitability, according to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini.

Industry CEOs attribute the sharp increase primarily to household income pressures resulting from prolonged inflation.

A survey conducted by the Greek Union of Professionals, Craftsmen and Traders found that the monthly income of six out of ten Greek families runs out on the 18th day of the month.