The cost of Halloween chocolate is expected to rise significantly, warns Which?.
- Chocolate prices in the UK have already risen by 11% this year, surpassing general grocery inflation.
- Factors such as unusual weather patterns and increased cocoa demand are contributing to this upturn.
- Dramatic price increases are seen in both branded and store-brand chocolates.
- Consumers are advised to compare prices per gram to ensure cost-effectiveness this Halloween.
In the upcoming Halloween season, consumers are likely to face a noticeable increase in chocolate prices, as reported by consumer group Which?. Chocolate prices in the UK have jumped by 11% over the past year, a rate considerably higher than the average grocery inflation of 2.7% in the same period. This surge poses a significant concern for those looking forward to the Halloween festivities.
Two principal factors are driving this price increase: adverse weather conditions and escalating global demand for cocoa. A wetter-than-usual rainy season has disrupted cocoa production, adding pressure to the already strained supply chain. Concurrently, the global appetite for cocoa has expanded, further elevating prices.
Which? has brought attention to particular instances of ‘chocflation’, where the price tags on both branded and own-brand chocolates have soared. For instance, a 100g milk chocolate bar at Sainsbury’s nearly doubled from 95p in August 2023 to £1.84 in 2024. Similarly, a Cadbury multipack of treat-sized bars at Sainsbury’s increased from £2.50 to £3.72, while a 360g Cadbury Milk Tray box at Morrisons climbed from £4.01 to £5.74.
Ele Clark, retail editor at Which?, emphasized that although overall food and drink inflation seems to be receding, chocolate prices have spiked considerably in the past year. She advises consumers to meticulously compare prices per gram across various pack sizes, retailers, and brands to guarantee the best value for money on Halloween chocolates.
Given these insights, consumers should exercise strategic purchasing to mitigate the impact of rising chocolate prices this Halloween.
