Supermarkets report dramatic recession

The supermarket sector in Greece is experiencing a deep recession ranging from 8 to 15 percent year-on-year across its categories, according to the marketing and strategic planning director of AB Vassilopoulos, Zeta Cheimonidou. Her statements at a corporate event confirmed the general mood in the industry and data compiled by researchers surveying the sector.

Cheimonidou went on to estimate that 2017 will see a 4 to 5 percent decline in supermarket turnover compared with 2016.

"The market is experiencing a much steeper decline than last year. There is a very deep recession," Cheimonidou stated, although she added that it would be safer to wait and see how demand evolves up until the end of May before drawing any conclusions for the entire year.

If proven correct, her estimate for a 4 percent drop in turnover will come on the back of a major decline in 2016...