Prices for grapes have surged in supermarkets and hypermarkets, with a startling 227 percent jump observed over the last two months across eight major chains surveyed by Facua. The data reflects consistent price movement across the country, highlighting how a staple fruit has shifted in cost at many large retail outlets within a short period.
In practical terms, the 500 gram package of El Mercado brand seedless grapes rose from 1.19 euros in October to 3.19 euros in November, and then to 3.89 euros in December. This sequence translates into a 227 percent increase for the same product inside a single German-based retail network within just two months, illustrating how quickly unit prices can climb even for commonly consumed fruit items during periods of retail volatility.
Similarly, the price trajectory for a tray of 500 grams of seedless white grapes varied by retailer but showed a notable overall rise. October pricing stood at 1.79 euros, climbing to 1.92 euros in November and reaching 3.00 euros in December, which corresponds to a 67 percent rise over the observed period. Specific chains also posted meaningful increases: Mercadona moved from 1.75 to 2.73 euros, a rise of 56 percent; Eroski shifted from 1.74 to 2.72 euros, up 56.3 percent; and Lidl saw prices rise from 1.69 euros in October to 2.69 euros in December, a 53.7 percent increase.
Carrefour recorded a similar pattern for the same grape pack, with prices moving from 1.84 euros in October to 2.25 euros in November and then to 2.65 euros in December, marking a 44 percent overall increase for that period. Across these figures, the recurring theme is clear: multiple large retailers experienced significant price escalations for seedless grapes over the span from October to December, even as consumer demand and fruit packaging vary by chain.
In light of these price movements, it is important to note that the VAT applied to grapes, along with other fruits and basic foods, was reduced from 4 percent to 0 percent. Facua has reiterated its call to the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and Agenda 2030 to investigate potential violations by large distribution networks. The concern is whether some chains may have imposed price increases despite the VAT reduction, potentially affecting the final retail price of grapes and other essential foods during this period of fiscal adjustment.