Overview
- Consumer prices for holiday chocolate are up 18.6% year over year, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
- Market researchers at NIQ report Christmas baked goods cost about 64% more than in 2021, far outpacing overall food inflation of 29.2%.
- Cocoa futures hit a 20‑month low in October, down roughly 25% from a year earlier, even as manufacturers cite higher input costs; producers also point to expensive sugar, record hazelnut prices after Turkish harvest losses, and rising labor costs.
- Shrinkflation features prominently, including Milka’s bar reduced from 100 g to 90 g in March with a higher shelf price, and premium chocolate‑coated items such as Bahlsen Lebkuchen reaching about €19.94 per kilogram.
- Retail analyses find Advent calendars, hollow figures and seasonal bars are typically 25–30% pricier than 2024, with some up to 50%, while supermarket own‑brands average about 35% cheaper than comparable labels.