The cost of Lindt chocolate bunnies, a popular choice during the Easter season, has increased significantly, surpassing the inflation rate by 15 times in the last year.
A study conducted by consumer organization Which? revealed that the average price of these milk chocolate treats has risen by approximately 44% in certain supermarket chains.
This spike contrasts with the general inflation rate of 3% over the preceding 12 months until February, or the average 3.6% hike in prices of food and beverages.
One contributing factor to this price surge may be the previous escalation in cocoa prices due to poor harvests in key cocoa-producing regions.
Nevertheless, cocoa costs have since dropped, partly attributed to reduced chocolate demand in Europe and the US. Reports indicate that current chocolate prices might be impacted by manufacturers recuperating from the prior increase in raw material expenses.
According to Which?, a 50g milk chocolate Lindt Gold Bunny at Morrisons was priced at £3.25 in February, up from £2.25 a year earlier. Additionally, a 200g Lindt Gold Bunny at Asda had surged by £5.44 to £7.87 during the same period.
Meanwhile, a pack of five 10g Lindt Gold Bunnies at Morrisons had increased from £2.79 to £4. Similarly, a 160g Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt Pack at Sainsbury’s had seen a price hike from £8.50 to £12.
Recent data from The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit indicated that the average cost of popular Easter chocolates has climbed by two-thirds in just three years, with certain eggs more than doubling in price.
Contrarily, figures from Worldpanel by Numerator suggest that this year, the average expense on an Easter egg stands at £3.27, marking a more modest 9% uptick compared to last year.
Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight, mentioned, “Although the pace of chocolate price increases has slightly decreased to 8.0% from 9.3% last month, ongoing price pressures have resulted in the average expenditure on an Easter egg rising by 9% to £3.27. Despite this, there is no indication of consumers opting for smaller eggs, with an average weight of 162g, slightly higher than last year.”
Various products, including Lindt bunnies, have experienced notable price surges since the previous Easter season, as highlighted by Which?. For instance, Castle MacLellan Smoked Salmon Pâté in a 100g pack at Asda cost £1.50 a year ago but now retails at £3.48, marking a 132% increase. Similarly, at Asda, a 200g pack of its own brand Just Essential cheddar slices saw a 114% jump from 65p to £1.39.
