A recent study has revealed that the prices of certain holiday treats have surged by up to 72% compared to last year’s festive season.
The research conducted by consumer group Which? highlighted significant price hikes in various seasonal essentials. Which? monitors over 25,000 food and beverage items in eight different supermarkets year-round.
Among the categories examined, chocolate experienced the highest inflation rate, with prices surging by an average of 14.2% over the past year. Factors contributing to this increase include ongoing challenges in cocoa harvests and supply chain disruptions.
Notable price hikes were observed in specific products such as a 37g Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles treat box at Asda, which rose from £1.15 to £1.98, marking a substantial 72.2% increase. Similarly, Morrisons saw the price of Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas Tree Decorations climb from £3.50 to £6, reflecting a 71.4% rise.
At Morrisons, the cost of a 40g Lindt Christmas milk chocolate Teddy increased from £1.50 to £2.50, while Tesco experienced a similar trend with a 145g Terry’s Chocolate Orange Dark Ball, which saw its price escalate from £1.50 to £2.50.
Another significant category affected by price increases is Christmas turkey. Prices for fresh whole birds, crowns, and other cuts within this category have risen by 4.7% year-on-year.
Challenges like bird flu outbreaks and higher operational expenses for farmers have contributed to the uptick in individual turkey prices. For instance, a Tesco Finest Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown Medium (2.99kg) saw a £14.95 increase, climbing from £53.82 to £68.77, representing a 27.8% surge.
According to the Which? tracker, Waitrose experienced the highest price increase at 6.2% in the year leading up to November, while Asda had the lowest at 3%, outperforming discount competitors Aldi and Lidl.
Retail Editor at Which?, Reena Sewraz, pointed out that general inflation figures may not capture the full extent of price rises that shoppers encounter during their Christmas shopping. She advised consumers to consider shopping at supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, known for their lower inflation rates and overall affordability.
She also recommended comparing unit prices across different sizes and brands to ensure the best value for money, not just during the festive season but throughout the year.
In response, an Asda spokesperson emphasized the supermarket’s commitment to maintaining low prices, highlighting their minimal inflation rate compared to other retailers. They stressed the importance of affordable prices, especially during the holiday season, accessible to all customers, not just loyalty cardholders.
Similarly, a representative from Morrisons reaffirmed the company’s dedication to offering high