Expensive Easter chocolate: we have to dig deeper into our pockets this year too

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 03. 20. 12:09

The Secretary General of the Hungarian Confectionery Manufacturers Association, Gábor Intődy, confirmed that Easter chocolate will continue to become more expensive in 2025, as the increase in raw materials and transportation costs leaves manufacturers and retailers with no other option. Although Hungarian consumers continue to refuse Easter sweets, price sensitivity increasingly determines consumer decisions, writes Pénzcentrum.

Why does chocolate cost more?

The price of chocolate is influenced by several factors, which have increased significantly in the past year:

Increase in cocoa prices: The price of cocoa on the world market reached a record high in 2024 due to a weak harvest and increased demand.

Sugar and other raw materials: The price of sugar has also increased continuously, which further increases the cost of producing sweets.

Transportation and energy prices: The significant increase in logistics costs and energy prices affects the entire food industry.
Wages and taxes: Cocoa harvesters have seen their rights strengthened and their salaries increased, while producers are also facing higher utility bills and taxes.

How much more do you have to pay?

According to an analysis by Pénzcentrum, the price of cocoa powder in February was 13.8 percent higher than a year earlier, reflecting the general increase in the price of sweets. Although the government is putting pressure on retailers to curb price increases, producers say further price increases are inevitable.