Cyprus Consumers Association: E-kalathi Below Expectations

The Cyprus Consumers Association has expressed its disappointment with e-kalathi, describing it as below expectations. In a statement, the Association mentioned that e-kalathi ended up being an "e-small basket," as it did not meet the initial promises.

According to the Association, one week after the launch of e-kalathi, the following were noted:

• The number of products included is 478, instead of the 3000 initially promised.
• There is no possibility for the consumer to see the total cost of the basket.
• Price comparisons are made within each province and not at a specific distance from the consumer's home.
• There is no possibility to identify common products between supermarkets for comparison.
• The possibility of comparing the total products of a basket between supermarkets was not given.
• Organized consumer groups were not given the opportunity to express their views during the consultation and setup of the application.

The Association also points out that e-kalathi does not promote competition between supermarkets. It was reported that out of 27 supermarkets with 148 stores, in a basket with 71 products, 7 supermarkets increased the total price of their products, while another 7 decreased it, and 13 did not modify it.

In addition, 5 supermarkets reduced the number of their products, while one increased it. The Association concludes that e-kalathi proved to be below expectations and its usefulness is limited.