North Cyprus butchers’ association warns of soaring meat prices: “Expensive meat put holes in our pockets”

The Cyprus Turkish Butchers’ Association has raised alarm over the sharp rise in beef prices, calling on the government to take urgent action. 

The association stated: “As butchers, we want to provide our citizens with quality meat, a basic food necessity, at reasonable prices. We urge our government to recognize the seriousness of this issue and ensure that citizens are not forced to depend on the South for their needs.”

According to the statement, the price of live cattle has increased by 50 percent in just two months, directly impacting meat prices. The association noted that the number of cattle available for butchery is insufficient compared to the population, with most of the price hikes seen in female cattle reserved for milk production.

The Butchers’ Association warned that the rising prices are pushing consumers toward South Cyprus, leaving butchers and supermarkets in the North on the brink of collapse due to significant customer losses.

It was recalled that on May 9, 2025, the Butchers’ Association and the Livestock Producers’ and Breeders’ Union had set the price of calves at 200 TL per kilo. However, by August 2, 2025, the price had risen to 240 TL, and within a month, it surged further to 300 TL.

The association noted that Prime Minister Ünal Üstel had invited representatives to the Council of Ministers for a briefing, but no concrete steps had been taken so far.

The rising cost of meat is not only affecting butchers but also hoteliers, meat processors, and restaurant operators, who are facing serious customer losses due to soaring costs. The association stressed that imported meat must be considered as an alternative to ensure the public has access to meat at reasonable prices.

“The difficulty in accessing affordable meat is not only leading people to buy from the South but also driving dining, accommodation, and other shopping activities across the border,” the association warned.