Overview
- A Smhaggle price survey finds steep year-on-year increases, with chocolate Santas up to 25 percent, some seasonal sweets costing about two-thirds more, and 300‑gram lebkuchen hearts up to 60 percent higher with many items now over €3.
- NIQ data show sales volumes for Christmas sweets were about 10 percent lower by mid‑October as shoppers waited for deals, and the share of purchases on promotion climbed to 66 percent.
- Analysts and consumer advocates say retail prices have not reflected the drop in cocoa futures to near two‑year lows because retailers and manufacturers bought at peak levels under fixed contracts.
- Germany’s confectionery trade group notes that supermarkets and discounters set final shelf prices and appear to pass through higher input costs, with discount chains still cheaper than premium brands but also notably higher than last year.
- Consumer frustration is evident on social media, including posts showing Lindt 100‑gram bars priced between €4.99 and €5.99 at an Edeka store.