pragues “Freshly Opened” Fruit Store Sparks Outrage Over Sky-High Prices
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A new store in Prague’s Na Poříčí street is drawing attention – adn criticism – for its dramatically inflated prices on fruit, particularly pre-cut and peeled varieties. While the shop,Green Mart,boasts an extraordinary display of exotic produce,a recent examination reveals costs that are largely inaccessible to local shoppers.
A reader alerted our editorial team to the discrepancies, writing, “You often write about food prices, so go and see Na Poříčí, a lot of people stop by the store because the fruit looks really gorgeous, but when I saw the prices, I didn’t know if they were joking.I don’t understand who can buy it for that price, I wonder how much they will sell.”
A Tourist Trap in the Heart of Prague?
located near Bílá Labuta, Green Mart advertises itself as “freshly opened,” a claim seemingly referencing the quality of its produce. The store’s window display is undeniably eye-catching, offering a vibrant selection of both familiar and exotic fruits, many individually wrapped in plastic and some already peeled or sliced. Though, this visual appeal masks a pricing structure that deviates sharply from Czech standards.
During a visit to the store, a small group of tourists were observed admiring the fruit. While captivated by the presentation, they were visibly surprised by the cost. One group ultimately purchased a tub of strawberries, requiring a second trip to their wallets after learning the price was calculated per 100 grams, not for the entire container.
Price Breakdown: A Steep Climb for Everyday fruit
The price per 100 grams quickly adds up.Blueberries cost 69.90 Czech crowns, with raspberries at 79.90 crowns.Blackberries reached 109.90 crowns, and strawberries were priced at 49.90 crowns. These fruits originated from Belgium, holland, and Peru, respectively, and individual containers weighed approximately 300 to 400 grams.
Though, the real price shock came with the pre-prepared fruit. Mangoes sold for nearly 70 crowns for a few pieces, a kilogram of pineapple cost 249.90 crowns, sliced papayas were priced at 699.90 crowns, and dragon fruit reached an amazing 1,400 crowns per kilo. notably, much of the packaging indicated a “consume by” date coinciding with the day of purchase.
The Pomelo Paradox: Convenience Comes at a Cost
The most striking example of price inflation was the peeled pomelo. While a whole pomelo can be found elsewhere in Prague for as little as 34.90 crowns (with a mobile app discount) or up to 79.90 crowns at other Vietnamese convenience stores, Green Mart charges 559.90 crowns per kilogram of peeled pomelo, or around 250 crowns for a smaller, pre-cut portion.
“I understand peeling a pomelo is annoying, but a normal person can’t buy this, can they?” remarked a vegetable seller from the outskirts of Prague, highlighting the disconnect between price and practicality.
A Glimpse into Southeast Asian Markets – and a Price Comparison
The fruit is reportedly sourced from Vietnam. Travelers familiar with markets in Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, where pre-cut fruit is commonplace, noted a significant price difference. “A cup is converted to 40 crowns,” explained a traveler named Jana, referencing the cost of similar prepared fruit in Southeast asia.
The high prices at Green Mart raise questions about its target demographic and whether it’s catering primarily to tourists unfamiliar with local market rates.While the store offers a visually appealing and convenient experience, its pricing strategy appears unsustainable for everyday shoppers in Prague.
