The famous Izmir pretzel is getting more expensive! While the price is increasing, the weight is decreasing.

There has been an increase in the price of the pastry that is frequently consumed by the citizens for breakfast in Izmir.

The Izmir Pide and Pastry Makers Chamber, citing rising costs, requested a price increase for the pastry. The Izmir Chamber of Craftsmen and Artisans approved the request and allowed the pastry to be sold at 12.50 lira for 90 grams, instead of 10 lira for 100 grams. Therefore, the pastry will be sold for 12.50 lira starting from July.

"PRICE CHAOS FOR SIMIT EXISTS ACROSS TURKEY"

Şükrü Erişen, the President of the Izmir Pide and Pastry Makers Chamber, stated that their request for a price increase for the pastry, which they applied for 3 months ago, has been accepted and will be effective as of July. He said, "As known, when determining the price of simit, it is necessary to obtain a positive opinion from the Ministry of Trade due to the amendment made in the 'Regulation on Price Tariffs of Goods and Services Produced by Craftsmen and Artisans'. There is a price chaos for simit across Turkey, regardless of our province. The price increase has not yet been implemented in many major cities, including Istanbul and Ankara. We hope that the delays and processes are due to the new regulation coming into effect. Otherwise, the number of valuable craftsmen who do this job will decrease and there will be difficulties in the sustainability of simit, which is one of the most important elements of street food culture in Turkey."

"THE LAST PRICE INCREASE WAS MADE 10 MONTHS AGO"

Continuing his words, Erişen stated: "Despite presenting our price increase request with cost reports, the delay in the approval process has had a negative impact on both our craftsmen and pastry masters. Many products have been subject to price increases during this period, and our input costs have increased. Thus, the significance of the price increase we received has been lost. The last price increase for the pastry was made 10 months ago, and everyone is aware of the increasing input costs. Therefore, we believe that the people of Izmir will understand the price increase."