Overview
- Several manufacturers have told German retailers they want higher list prices next year, with one request described as up to 20 percent.
- Holiday confections are already markedly pricier, with analyses showing steep increases for items like chocolate Santas and lebkuchen as unit sales fall but revenues hold steady.
- Producers cite elevated costs for cocoa, packaging, wages and energy, noting cocoa has retreated from last year’s spike but remains volatile and well above pre-spike levels.
- Major brands including Ferrero, Lindt, Mondelez and Ritter have lost volume in Germany’s branded segment this year as consumers shift toward deals.
- The sector is closely tracking Aldi’s price moves while shorter hedging windows around six months add uncertainty to 2026 cost calculations and negotiations.