As Easter approaches, many Australians are preparing for the time-honoured tradition of indulging in chocolate eggs and bunnies. These treats bring excitement to children, who eagerly anticipate egg hunts and sweet surprises, and nostalgia to adults, reminding them of cherished holiday traditions from their childhoods.
Whether gifted to loved ones, hidden for festive scavenger hunts, or simply enjoyed as a personal indulgence, Easter chocolates hold a special place in the hearts—and taste buds—of many. However, this year’s festivities might come with a bit of sticker shock as chocolate prices are expected to hop significantly higher.
The price of Easter chocolate is anticipated to rise by as much as 20 per cent, a spike attributed to a combination of adverse weather conditions and crop diseases in West Africa, the region responsible for the lion’s share of the world’s cocoa production.
For years, global cocoa commodities have been relatively stable, hovering around US$2,000 (~$3,187) per ton. But in a dramatic twist, prices soared to an unprecedented US$12,000 (~$19,000) per ton in 2024.
While they’ve since settled at around US$10,000 a ton ($15,890), the impact of this increase is inevitably trickling down to supermarket shelves and, ultimately, the consumer’s wallet.
The culprit for this expected price hike is a global cocoa shortage that’s turning the sweet anticipation of Easter treats into a bitter pill to swallow for consumers and retailers alike.
Professor Garry Mortimer from Queensland University of Technology sheds light on the situation, explaining, ‘Ultimately we’ve seen the commodity price of cocoa, essentially chocolate, skyrocket in the last 12 to 18 months. You’d expect to see retail prices lift anywhere between sort of 10 to 20 per cent.’
This means that a trip to Coles or Woolworths for your Easter chocolate fix could be more costly than in previous years. For instance, a packet of Cadbury Dairy Milk Eggs might cost nearly $7 or two for $10, while a 160-gram Kinder Surprise Bunny could set you back $12.80, and a 200-gram Lindt Gold Bunny might ring in at $18.
There is a silver lining, though. Woolworths is currently offering a 300-gram bag of Lindt’s Lindor Assorted Chocolate Mini Eggs at a discounted price of $15, down from $30, and a packet of Cadbury Creme Egg Minis for $5.
These deals may provide some relief for those looking to fill their Easter baskets without emptying their wallets.
The rising costs are expected to influence consumer behaviour, as Mortimer points out, ‘I think what we will see is shoppers actually shopping around, moving away from maybe the big supermarkets, maybe moving away from those premium Lindt and Lindor chocolates and aiming for maybe private label products, lower-cost chocolates.’
This shift could lead to a surge in popularity for private label or generic brands that offer a more affordable alternative to the premium chocolates that have traditionally dominated Easter sales.
So, as you prepare for Easter, be mindful of the changing chocolate landscape. Whether you opt for the premium brands or seek out more budget-friendly options, remember that the joy of the holiday isn’t measured in cocoa content but in the warmth of shared moments and cherished traditions.
We’d love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices readers, how will the rise in chocolate prices affect your Easter celebrations? Will you be hunting for deals or changing your chocolate preferences? Share your thoughts and strategies with the community in the comments below.
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