Despite the drop in the prices of Kahk al-Eid in the local market by 10% during the current season, sales fell by about 50%, in conjunction with the Egyptian state’s implementation of precautionary measures to prevent the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), led by the closure of shops starting from 5:00 pm.
The Egyptian government decided on Sunday to extend the partial curfew on citizens during the week of Eid Al-Fitr, to start from 5:00 pm until 6:00 am, with the closure of shops and malls during the same period, with the exception of food commodities, including the suspension of public transportation as a precaution to prevent the outbreak of coronavirus .
Shop owners attributed the decline in prices to the decrease in prices of some production inputs, mainly sugar and Flour, in addition to the state of recession that dominates the global markets.
Salah El-Abd, Chairman of El Abd Sweets and Board Member of Cairo Chamber of Commerce said that the price of Kahk al-Eid fell by 10% during this period compared to the corresponding season last year, falling to EGP 6800 per ton.
El-Abd added that the current period is one of the worst periods in terms of sales, especially since the Eid is the Kahk season, and with all stores closed early and have 5 working days only, sales have declined so far by 50%.
[caption id="attachment_128343" align="aligncenter" width="969"]
Different kinds of Kahk[/caption]
The board member confirmed that the prices of Kahk currently start from EGP 95-100 per kilo, while the shaped packages ranges between EGP 115-950, depending on the size and selection.
He pointed out that a large number of shops resorted to the design of half kilogram packages; In order to stimulate sales in light of the spread of coronavirus.
The owner of a confectionery shop said that the quantities offered in the markets are 50% less than the same period last year, fearing the repercussions of curfew and preventive measures.
He stressed that the prices start from currently EGP 35 per kilo for popular types, which are affordable for the middle class citizens, pointing out that the corona crisis has caused a severe decline in sales.
Official Kahk al-Eid Prices in Egypt
On its part, the Egyptian Ministry of Supply offered large quantities of Kahk and biscuits in consumer complexes.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry, the prices of non-stuffed regular Kahk is sold at EGP 65 per kilo, and ones with nuts are sold at EGP 85 per kilo.
As for Kahk filled with pressed dates "Agwa" and fruit jelly "Malban", the cost is estimated at EGP 65 per kilo, while the popular Arabian Shortbread "Ghurayba" price was set at EGP 70 per kilo.
Despite the announcement by the Ministry of Supply of providing cheaper products for citizens, some popular bakeries offers cheaper prices starting from EGP 25 to coupe with the current recession caused by the deadly virus.
Follow the latest news on Google News
