Chocoholics are facing significant price hikes on holiday treats, with some items increasing by up to 72% compared to last Christmas, according to recent research. The consumer group Which? has observed a notable spike in prices for various seasonal essentials, tracking over 25,000 food and drink products in eight supermarkets throughout the year.
Among the categories, chocolate stands out as the most affected by inflation, with prices surging by an average of 14.2% over the past year. The increase is attributed to ongoing challenges in cocoa harvests and supply chain disruptions.
Notable price surges include a Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles treat box at Asda, which has risen from £1.15 to £1.98, marking a 72.2% increase. Similarly, at Morrisons, Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas Tree Decorations have gone up from £3.50 to £6, reflecting a 71.4% hike.
In addition, prices for some Christmas turkey products have risen by 4.7% year-on-year, impacted by issues like bird flu and escalating operational expenses for farmers. For instance, a Tesco Finest Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown Medium has seen a substantial price jump from £53.82 to £68.77, representing a 27.8% increase.
According to the Which? tracker, Waitrose has experienced the highest price increase at 6.2% over the past year, while Asda has the lowest inflation rate at 3%, outperforming discount competitors Aldi and Lidl in terms of affordability.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, emphasized the importance of monitoring individual item prices, as some products have surged by up to 70% year-on-year. Shoppers concerned about their holiday budgets can save by shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, known for their low inflation rates and competitive prices.
An Asda spokesperson highlighted the supermarket’s commitment to maintaining low prices, especially during the festive season, catering to all customers without loyalty card restrictions. Similarly, a Morrisons spokesperson emphasized the brand’s dedication to offering quality products at reasonable prices, with additional benefits for More Card members.
Overall, staying informed about unit prices while shopping can help consumers make informed choices and secure the best deals across different sizes and brands.