Chocoholics have witnessed a significant surge in the prices of certain holiday treats, with costs soaring by up to 72% compared to last Christmas, according to recent research. The consumer group Which? identified notable price hikes in various seasonal essentials, monitoring over 25,000 food and beverage items across eight supermarkets throughout the year.
Among the categories analyzed, chocolate experienced the most significant inflation, with prices increasing by an average of 14.2% over the past year. Factors contributing to this rise include ongoing challenges in cocoa harvests and supply chain disruptions.
Specific products, such as the Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles treat box at Asda and Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas Tree Decorations at Morrisons, have seen substantial price jumps of 72.2% and 71.4%, respectively. Additionally, items like the Lindt Christmas milk chocolate Teddy at Morrisons and Terry’s Chocolate Orange Dark Ball at Tesco have also seen notable price spikes.
In another category, the cost of Christmas turkeys has risen by 4.7% year-on-year, attributed to issues like bird flu outbreaks and increased operational expenses for farmers. Notably, a Tesco Finest Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown Medium experienced a significant cash increase of £14.95, representing a 27.8% price hike.
According to the Which? tracker, Waitrose recorded the highest price increase of 6.2% in the year leading up to November, while Asda had the lowest inflation rate at 3%, outperforming discount competitors like Aldi and Lidl.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, highlighted the importance of monitoring individual item prices, as some products have seen up to a 70% increase year on year. Shoppers seeking to save money during the festive season are advised to consider shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, known for their lower inflation rates and overall affordability.
Both Asda and Morrisons emphasized their commitment to offering quality products at competitive prices, with Asda specifically noting its efforts to maintain low prices for all customers without the need for loyalty cards. Morrisons highlighted additional benefits for its More Card members, including discounts and personalized offers.
Overall, as shoppers navigate their holiday purchases, staying informed about unit prices and comparing different options can help ensure they secure the best deals.