The Christmas menu may become more expensive: What should we expect during the holiday season?

Duck and fir tree prices are certain

The increase in the price of duck meat is almost inevitable, especially since seasonal demand drives up prices. Those who would like to serve it as part of the traditional holiday menu would do well to prepare in advance. The situation is similar on the fir tree market: the price of natural fir trees is expected to increase by 10%, but the price of more durable artificial fir trees is not low either, even reaching tens of thousands of forints.

Moderate price increase in meat

According to Lajos Braunmüller, editor-in-chief of Agrárszektor, the price of meat will only increase slightly during the Advent period. This is primarily due to the decline in household consumption, which is holding back price increases. He highlighted that pork consumption increases seasonally in December, by about 25%, which may cause some price increases, but a significant price increase is not expected.

The price of pork legs, however, may be noticeably higher, as last year it was still a price-capped product, which kept its price artificially low. According to Tamás Éder, president of the Association of Responsible Food Producers, the price of pork legs has now returned to market levels, so it will be more expensive this year than last year. However, the expert noted that the price increase will remain moderate due to the difficulties of the sector.

In the case of beef, the price increase is not necessarily the effect of the Christmas season, but the result of changes in the European market. According to Zsombor Wagenhoffer, executive director of the Association of Hungarian Livestock Breeders, green policy changes and decreasing supply are driving up prices. More and more cattle farmers are leaving the sector, which is leading to a shortage of supply, which in turn is driving up prices.