Overview
- New price comparisons show seasonal sweets sharply higher year on year, with Schoko-Weihnachtsmänner up to 25% to as much as 67% in some cases, Dominosteine around 25% higher, and filled Lebkuchenherzen up to 60%.
- Official data indicate chocolate prices are about 21% higher than a year ago, with premium items such as a 200-gram Lindt Santa listed at €8.99 in local reporting.
- Cocoa futures have fallen from 2024 records to below €5,000 per tonne in mid-October yet remain elevated and volatile, and manufacturers say early-year purchasing for Christmas lines limits immediate pass-through.
- Producers and analysts expect only gradual easing at the shelf, with companies including Ritter Sport and Lindt signaling no near-term cuts and Barry Callebaut projecting clearer relief by late 2026.
- Consumers face wide price dispersion and rely more on deals, as discounter Lebkuchen starts near €2.29 while bio or specialty packs reach €4–6.29, and NIQ reports roughly 10% lower volumes with promotion share rising to 66%.