In just a week, traditional Easter products have increased in price by nearly 8 percent, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food reports. This is also one of the reasons why the "Easter Basket" initiative was launched for the first time in our country. The idea is to provide lamb, eggs, kozunac and confectionery for the festive table at affordable prices for consumers, without compromising on quality. The initiative will last until April 19.
With the "Easter Basket" initiative, traders are expected to voluntarily offer traditional Easter goods at lower or stable prices, as this is specially indicated. The Ministry of Agriculture explains that it is voluntary and stores have no legal obligation to participate in it.
The Union for Modern Trade, which unites most of the chains, stated that the Union does not coordinate the trade policies of its members. And that each retailer can join in accordance with its assortment, pricing policy and legislation.
However, on the first day of the initiative there were stores that joined the campaign.
"Customers are quite interested in the Easter basket. We have a minimal markup, which suits them quite well. As soon as they enter, they ask us about the traditional Easter goods - lamb, kozunac, eggs. And immediately about the prices," explained retailer Mihaela Miladinova.
The buyers today were visibly satisfied.
"A very good idea. I hope it's really real and worth it," said a user.
We looked at the prices. Even if there is a markup, it is minimal. The prices are quite competitive compared to other chains.
"What impresses me is that the products in the Easter basket, in addition to being low-priced, are also Bulgarian-made," commented a user.
However, the "Active Consumers" association believes that the idea of the Ministry of Agriculture is quite late and should have appeared at least a month ago.
"All traders have already planned for the holidays, placed their orders, printed their brochures. And they will hardly have the time to react and respond. The second big question is why we constantly focus on temporary measures, since this temporary thing will have a one-time effect. And what are we doing in May. We need systemic solutions", said the chairman of the Association "Active Consumers" Bogomil Nikolov.
"Games of Goodwill" is the choice of the chains what to include in the "small consumer basket", said Vladimir Ivanov
"I do not expect the desired effect to be obtained - at least because it is late", said Bogomil Nikolov..
It is not yet clear which chains will accept the "Easter Basket" initiative. Each one has already announced its promotions before and during Easter.