Chocoholics are experiencing a significant increase in the prices of festive treats, with some items surging by up to 72% compared to last year’s Christmas season, according to recent research. The consumer group Which? has observed a notable rise in prices for various seasonal essentials, monitoring over 25,000 food and drink products across eight supermarkets throughout the year.
In particular, the cost of chocolate has seen a substantial spike, with prices soaring by an average of 14.2% over the past year. This increase is attributed to ongoing challenges in cocoa harvests and supply chain disruptions. One example is the Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles treat box (37g) at Asda, which has escalated from £1.15 to £1.98, marking a 72.2% price hike. Similarly, at Morrisons, the Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas Tree Decorations have surged from £3.50 to £6, representing a 71.4% increase.
Furthermore, prices for other chocolate products have also seen significant jumps. For instance, a 40g Lindt Christmas milk chocolate Teddy at Morrisons has increased from £1.50 to £2.50, while a 145g Terry’s Chocolate Orange Dark Ball at Tesco has risen from £1.50 to £2.50, reflecting an increase of around two thirds.
In another category, Christmas turkeys have also experienced price hikes, with a 4.7% increase year-on-year for fresh whole birds, crowns, and smaller cuts. Factors such as bird flu outbreaks and escalating operational expenses for farmers have contributed to the uptick in individual turkey prices. Notably, a Tesco Finest Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown Medium (2.99kg) has seen a significant £14.95 rise, climbing from £53.82 to £68.77, representing a 27.8% increase.
According to the Which? tracker, Waitrose has witnessed the highest price increase at 6.2% in the year leading up to November, while Asda has the lowest price increase at 3%, surpassing discount rivals Aldi and Lidl.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, emphasized the importance of monitoring individual item prices, as overall inflation figures may not fully capture the price hikes faced by shoppers. Sewraz recommended that budget-conscious consumers consider shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, which have lower inflation rates and generally offer competitive pricing.
Responding to the research, an Asda spokesperson highlighted the supermarket’s commitment to maintaining low prices for customers, particularly during the holiday season. Similarly, a Morrisons spokesperson reaffirmed the company’s dedication to providing quality products at affordable prices, with additional benefits for loyal customers through loyalty programs and discounts.