Easter Eggs in the UK: Smaller but More Expensive This Year
Chocolate eggs are smaller this year, and it's not just because Easter is far away. The rising cost of cocoa has triggered a new wave of shrinkflation, reducing the size and weight of many Easter eggs on supermarket shelves.
Maltesers, known for its 'lighter way to enjoy chocolate' slogan, has reduced the size of its XL egg from 231g to 194g, while the price has increased by £1 to £7. This reduction is due to one fewer mini pack of Maltesers inside the box, leading to a 39% price per gram increase.
Cadbury's Twirl eggs have also shrunk by 9.5%, from 23g to 218g, but the price has risen to £7, a 28% increase. The Mini Eggs family pack has also reduced by 4%, from 270g to 256g, with a 35% price increase at Tesco for those without a loyalty card.
Lindt gold bunnies remain at 200g but are now £8.50, a £3 increase from last year. The rising cost of chocolate confectionery is due to soaring cocoa prices after poor harvests in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, exacerbated by extreme temperatures and unusual rainfall patterns caused by the climate crisis.
With sugar, energy, and labour costs also rising, manufacturers are making bars and biscuits smaller or reducing cocoa content to keep prices down. McVitie's Club and Penguin bars now contain less cocoa, making them 'chocolate flavour' only.
Despite the cost pressures, Mars Wrigley's UK and Ireland business spokesperson says they aim to absorb rising costs. However, they've made carefully considered changes to product sizes, ensuring quality and taste remain unchanged. Mondelēz International, Cadbury's owner, explains that retailers set prices, and any size changes are a last resort due to higher input costs across the supply chain.
Lindt was approached for comment, and Tesco declined to comment.
