British consumers are noticing a significant rise in mince pie prices, driven by a shortage in sultanas.
- Sultanas, a key ingredient in mince pies, have become scarce due to poor harvests in Turkey, the main producer.
- Major UK supermarkets, including Tesco and Sainsbury’s, have increased their mince pie prices by up to 40%.
- This increase is part of a larger trend in rising costs for Christmas essentials, particularly impacting items like turkey and vegetables.
- Overall, the cost of an average Christmas dinner for four has risen by 6.5% in the UK.
British shoppers have observed a significant uptick in the costs of mince pies, an essential Christmas treat, primarily due to a shortage in sultanas. Turkey, the world’s largest producer of sultanas, has suffered poor harvests for two consecutive years, leading to a surge in prices. Turkish sultanas recently reached prices near historic highs, selling at approximately $3,600 (£2,800) per ton.
This shortage has had a ripple effect on the shelves of major UK supermarkets. Notably, Tesco’s premium mince pie packs have experienced a noticeable price increase, rising from £2.50 to £3.50, marking a 40% surge. Similar trends have been observed across other large supermarket chains such as Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons. According to data compiled by Assosia for The Telegraph, these supermarkets have collectively witnessed an average price increase of 26% in their mince pie offerings over the past two years.
The broader impact of rising prices extends beyond mince pies. Current data from Kantar highlights an overall rise in expenses for Christmas staples. The cost of a typical Christmas dinner for a family of four has increased to £32.57, which translates to a 6.5% growth. The price hikes include turkey and a variety of vegetable staples. Potato prices have surged by 16.2% to £1.65; cauliflowers have seen a 14.6% increase to £1.18, and the cost of carrots has risen by 11.4% to 49p.
The surge in prices of sultanas has profoundly impacted the cost of Christmas staples, especially mince pies, across the UK.
