Empowering Consumers: e-Kofini Pricewatch Launch
In a recent broadcast on CyBC television, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou introduced the public to a new digital ally in their shopping endeavors—the ‘e-Kofini’ pricewatch platform for fruits and vegetables. This innovative tool, designed to be user-friendly for individuals across the technological proficiency spectrum, has been rolled out by the ministry to enhance price transparency in the market.
The e-Kofini app, which can be found on Viber, allows users to receive biweekly alerts on fruit and vegetable prices upon joining the community. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the dedicated website offers a QR code that, once scanned, grants access to the same community. The ministry has also provided a helpline at 22464081 for those needing additional assistance with the platform.
Price updates will be disseminated twice weekly, every Monday and Thursday, featuring two distinct columns. One column presents the average sales price from farmers’ organizations, while the other reflects prices at retail points. This dual-column approach aims to highlight the price journey from farm to supermarket, offering insight into the pricing strategies of major supermarkets across the nation.
The e-Kofini pricewatch not only promotes transparency but also equips consumers with valuable information to anticipate costs before shopping. The list of monitored products is extensive, covering a variety of vegetables and fruits, from staples like tomatoes and onions to seasonal favorites such as watermelons and strawberries.
An analysis of the inaugural pricewatch data reveals significant disparities between producer and retail prices. For instance, cucumbers were recorded at €0.67 per kg from producers compared to €1.45 at retail outlets. Similar discrepancies were noted for other produce, with cauliflower, black-eyed peas, potatoes, watermelons, and strawberries all showing higher retail prices compared to those set by producers.
Through the e-Kofini pricewatch initiative, the agriculture ministry is taking a definitive step towards bridging the gap between producer and retail prices, fostering an environment where informed consumers can make smarter purchasing decisions.
