Chocoholics have witnessed a significant surge in the prices of certain holiday treats, with some items experiencing a staggering 72% increase compared to last Christmas, according to recent research.
The research conducted by consumer group Which? revealed a notable rise in the prices of various seasonal essentials. Which? monitors over 25,000 food and beverage products in eight different supermarkets throughout the year.
Among the categories analyzed, chocolate emerged as the most impacted by inflation, with prices soaring by an average of 14.2% over the past year. This surge is attributed to persistent challenges in cocoa harvests and supply chain disruptions.
Notably, the cost of a Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles treat box (37g) at Asda escalated from £1.15 last year to £1.98 presently, marking a substantial 72.2% increase. Similarly, at Morrisons, the price of Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas Tree Decorations surged from £3.50 in 2024 to £6, reflecting a 71.4% hike.
Furthermore, at Morrisons, the price of a 40g Lindt Christmas milk chocolate Teddy rose from £1.50 to £2.50. Meanwhile, at Tesco, a 145g Terry’s Chocolate Orange Dark Ball witnessed an increase of approximately two-thirds, climbing from £1.50 to £2.50.
Another category experiencing notable price hikes is Christmas turkeys, with an overall 4.7% increase in prices year-on-year. Factors such as bird flu outbreaks and escalating operational expenses for farmers are contributing to individual price spikes.
According to the Which? tracker, prices at Waitrose saw the highest rise, surging by 6.2% in the year leading up to November, while Asda recorded the lowest increase at 3%, outperforming discount competitors Aldi and Lidl.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, emphasized the importance of scrutinizing individual item prices, noting that some products have seen price hikes of up to 70% year-on-year. To save money during the festive season, shoppers are advised to consider shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, known for their low inflation rates and affordability.
Both Asda and Morrisons declined to comment on specific price increases but highlighted their commitment to providing quality products at competitive prices, especially during the holiday season.
In conclusion, staying vigilant about unit prices when shopping can help consumers make informed choices and secure the best deals across various products and brands.