Surge in Turkey and Chocolate Prices This Holiday Season
This year, consumers are facing a significant increase in prices for holiday essentials, with Christmas chocolates experiencing a markup of up to 70% over last year, and turkey prices soaring by as much as £15, reports consumer advocacy group Which?
Which? conducted an analysis on various components of the traditional Christmas meal, including turkey, mince pies, sparkling wine, and chocolates, noting considerable price hikes across these festive favorites.
Chocolate Experiences Highest Price Hike
The most substantial price increase was observed in the festive chocolate category. Notably, the price of a Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles treat box at Asda escalated by 72% to £1.98, up from £1.15 the previous year. Similarly, Morrisons reported a 71% increase in the price of Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas tree decorations, which are now £6, up from £3.50 in 2024.
Among the festive treats, Lindt chocolates have seen the sharpest rise in prices, followed closely by other popular items like Terry’s Chocolate Orange Dark Ball, Galaxy Milk Chocolate Sharing Block, and the Kinder Milk Chocolate Multipack.
Overall, the chocolate sector has seen an average price increase of 14% year over year, affecting not just holiday-themed products but all chocolate items.
According to Reena Sewraz, retail editor at Which?, this data indicates that the general inflation figures do not fully capture the steep price rises consumers are encountering for specific products during their holiday shopping. Some items have seen price jumps exceeding 70% compared to last year.
The rising costs of chocolate have been partly attributed to poor cocoa harvests in the major growing regions, which have been affected by extreme temperatures and excessive rainfall.
Significant Price Increases in Turkey
While chocolates have recorded the highest percentage increases, in actual monetary terms, more expensive items like turkeys have seen the greatest rise. Which? highlighted a notable increase in the price of a Tesco Finest free range medium bronze turkey crown, which now costs £68.77, up by £14.95 or 27.8% from last year.
The average year-on-year inflation rate for turkeys, encompassing all varieties from whole birds to smaller cuts, stands at about 4.7%.
Issues such as bird flu and rising costs for farmers have been pinpointed as key factors behind these price hikes on turkeys. Additionally, the popularity of turkey as the centerpiece for Christmas dinner has been waning, with more consumers exploring alternative options.
This shift in consumer preference is reflected in decisions by major retailers such as Waitrose and Marks & Spencer, which have both opted not to sell whole frozen turkeys this year.
Of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, Which? found that Waitrose has implemented the highest price increases, averaging 6.2% over the last year, while Asda has managed to keep its price increases the lowest, at around 3%.
Waitrose clarified that some products that were discounted last Christmas are not on sale this year. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Sainsbury’s highlighted their ongoing promotions, including price-matched mince pies and discounted classic vegetable trimmings available from December 18 through Christmas Eve, aimed at offering value to shoppers during the festive season.
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