AZE.US
Preparing a Novruz holiday table in Azerbaijan this year costs an average of 200 to 250 manats for a family of three to four, according to market estimates.
The final amount depends on the type and quantity of products chosen, but the main share of spending falls on meat, nuts, dried fruits, fish, vegetables, and fruit traditionally bought ahead of the holiday.
Among the most visible seasonal items at market stalls are walnuts, priced at around 15-20 manats per kilogram, while black and white raisins sell for roughly 10-12 manats. Dried apricots range from 7 to 10 manats, and pistachios are offered at about 8-9 manats per half-kilogram. Roasted hazelnuts can reach nearly 50 manats per kilogram.
Samani, one of the symbols of spring and Novruz, is also among the most purchased items during the holiday period. Small versions are sold for 2 to 10 manats, while larger decorative arrangements can cost up to 25 manats.
A large part of the holiday budget goes to meat and other staples. Boneless beef is selling for around 21 manats per kilogram, while chicken costs about 3-4 manats. Other poultry products and related meat items are generally priced between 10 and 20 manats. Shoppers also spend an additional 20 manats on average on vegetables, oil, and other cooking essentials.
Fish remains another important part of the holiday menu. Sellers say kutum is priced at around 20 manats per kilogram, trout at 13-15 manats, and carp at 9-10 manats, while some other fish varieties are sold for 6-7 manats.
Fruit prices vary by type. Apples, bananas, oranges, and tangerines are selling for around 2.5 to 3 manats, while pomegranates and grapes cost about 4 manats. Kiwi is around 4 manats, and pineapple is priced near 6 manats.
Shoppers say prices have risen for some products, with tomatoes mentioned most often. Depending on quality and origin, tomatoes are currently selling for between 4.5 and 15 manats. While some buyers say the prices are manageable, others say the overall cost of holiday shopping has become noticeably higher.