Overview
- Price checks for the 2025 season show Schoko-Santas up to 25% higher year over year (in some cases two thirds), Dominosteine about 25% higher, and filled Lebkuchen hearts up to 60% higher.
- Retail spreads are wide, with discounter Lebkuchen starting near €2.29 while bio and specialty items reach €4.99–€6.29, including a Tegut mini Elisenlebkuchen price tag at €6.29 that drew heavy online attention.
- Market data from NIQ indicate roughly 10% fewer units sold by mid-October, stable turnover due to higher prices, and a surge in promotional buying to about 66% of sales from 46% a year earlier.
- Manufacturers and analysts cite still-elevated cocoa versus pre-2022 levels, pricier nuts, energy, transport and labor, and annual price negotiations; industry groups stress retailers set end prices and any relief will be slow.
- Regional chocolatiers report sharply higher input costs—one citing roughly doubled purchase prices—and are trimming ranges or nudging prices while trying to preserve quality.