A recent study revealed that prices for various holiday sweets have surged by up to 72% compared to last year’s festive season, affecting chocoholics. The research conducted by consumer group Which? highlighted significant price hikes in certain seasonal essentials. Which? monitors over 25,000 food and beverage items in eight different supermarkets throughout the year.
Among the categories scrutinized, chocolate showed the highest inflation rate, with prices spiking by an average of 14.2% over the past year. The surge is attributed to persistent poor cocoa harvests and supply chain challenges.
Notably, a Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles treat box (37g) at Asda saw its price shoot up from £1.15 to £1.98, marking a significant 72.2% increase. Similarly, at Morrisons, Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas Tree Decorations rose from £3.50 in 2024 to £6, reflecting a 71.4% hike.
Furthermore, at Morrisons, a 40g Lindt Christmas milk chocolate Teddy went from £1.50 to £2.50, while at Tesco, a 145g Terry’s Chocolate Orange Dark Ball surged from £1.50 to £2.50, representing an approximate two-thirds increase in price.
Another category experiencing notable price hikes is Christmas turkey. Overall, prices for fresh whole birds, crowns, and smaller cuts have increased by 4.7% year-on-year. Factors such as bird flu outbreaks and escalating operational expenses for farmers are contributing to individual price spikes. For instance, a Tesco Finest Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown Medium (2.99kg) surged by £14.95, climbing from £53.82 to £68.77, a percentage rise of 27.8%.
According to the Which? tracker, prices at Waitrose have seen the most significant increase, rising by 6.2% in the year leading up to November. In contrast, Asda exhibited the lowest inflation rate at 3%, outperforming discount competitors Aldi and Lidl in terms of price stability.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, commented on the findings, noting that while overall inflation figures may not fully capture the reality of supermarket pricing, individual items have experienced substantial price surges of up to 70% annually. She suggested that budget-conscious shoppers consider shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, known for their low inflation rates and competitive prices.
Sewraz also advised consumers to monitor unit prices to facilitate comparisons across different product sizes, brands, and ranges for better deals.
A spokesperson from Asda emphasized their commitment to maintaining low prices and highlighted their status as the supermarket with the lowest inflation rate in the UK, inclusive of discount retailers. They emphasized accessibility to all customers, regardless of loyalty card membership.
In a similar vein, a Morrisons spokesperson reaffirmed their dedication to offering high-quality products at affordable prices throughout the year, especially during the festive season. They mentioned benefits for More Card members, such as earning points and receiving discounts and personalized offers.