Eggs from milk chocolate are the most popular

Retail sales of Easter sweets dropped by 9 per cent in terms of quantity last year. Total sales amounted to HUF 22.5 billion in 2007. Sales continue to be concentrated in hyper markets which accounted for 56 per cent of the total quantity sold. The market share of the 401-2 500 square meter category grew to 28 per cent last year. The sales of milk chocolate exceeded that of nougat in terms of both quantity and value. The market share of nougat in terms of value dropped from 49 per cent in 2004 to 27 in 2007, while that of milk chocolate increased from 44 per cent in 2004 to 66 per cent in 2007. Milk chocolate sales also exceeded that of nougat in terms of quantity for the first time last year. The market share of black chocolate products continues to remain below 5 per cent. Among figures, eggs gained in popularity at the expense of rabbits. The average price of cooked, to be portioned ham was HUF 1398 per kilogram last year, while pre-portioned ham cost HUF 1964. The market share of to be portioned ham grew to 53 per cent in terms of quantity last year. The sales of pre-portioned, cooked ham are concentrated in modern stores, with hyper markets, supermarkets and discount stores holding a combined market share of 80 per cent. 42 per cent of the sales of to be portioned, cooked ham take place in traditional stores of less than 400 square meter size. The market share of private labels reached 27 per cent last year.