Shrinking but still pricey: how UK Easter eggs are getting smaller but more expensive this year.
This Easter, chocolate lovers may be in for a surprise as many popular egg brands have shrunk their treats while increasing prices. According to data from supermarket shelves, several major brands including Maltesers and Cadbury's have reduced the weight of their eggs by up to 40% compared to last year, despite still charging higher prices.
Maltesers' XL eggs, for example, now weigh in at just 194g – down from 231g last year. The price tag? £7, a £1 increase from last year's £6. Meanwhile, Cadbury's Twirl eggs have been reduced by 9.5% or 23 grams to 218 grams and are now priced at £7, a rise of over 28%.
The reasons behind these weight reductions and price hikes are largely due to the rising cost of cocoa, which has soared in recent years due to poor harvests in major-producing countries Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Climate-related disruptions have also led to higher costs for sugar, energy, and labour.
As a result, manufacturers like Mars Wrigley's UK and Ireland business are having to take drastic measures to keep prices under control. "We understand the cost pressures that shoppers continue to face and always aim to absorb rising costs wherever possible," said a spokesperson for Mars Wrigley. However, they added that ongoing pressure on cocoa prices meant they had to make carefully considered changes to product sizes.
Other manufacturers like Mondelēz International, owner of Cadbury's, have also taken similar measures. "We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face and any changes to our product sizes is a last resort for our business," said a spokesperson. The company has reduced the weight of several products, including their Twirl eggs, Wispa eggs, and Mini Egg bags.
The impact on consumers will be felt in the coming weeks as Easter approaches. With many popular brands now offering smaller but pricier treats, chocolate lovers may have to choose between indulging in their favourite Easter eggs or splurging on other holiday treats.
This Easter, chocolate lovers may be in for a surprise as many popular egg brands have shrunk their treats while increasing prices. According to data from supermarket shelves, several major brands including Maltesers and Cadbury's have reduced the weight of their eggs by up to 40% compared to last year, despite still charging higher prices.
Maltesers' XL eggs, for example, now weigh in at just 194g – down from 231g last year. The price tag? £7, a £1 increase from last year's £6. Meanwhile, Cadbury's Twirl eggs have been reduced by 9.5% or 23 grams to 218 grams and are now priced at £7, a rise of over 28%.
The reasons behind these weight reductions and price hikes are largely due to the rising cost of cocoa, which has soared in recent years due to poor harvests in major-producing countries Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Climate-related disruptions have also led to higher costs for sugar, energy, and labour.
As a result, manufacturers like Mars Wrigley's UK and Ireland business are having to take drastic measures to keep prices under control. "We understand the cost pressures that shoppers continue to face and always aim to absorb rising costs wherever possible," said a spokesperson for Mars Wrigley. However, they added that ongoing pressure on cocoa prices meant they had to make carefully considered changes to product sizes.
Other manufacturers like Mondelēz International, owner of Cadbury's, have also taken similar measures. "We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face and any changes to our product sizes is a last resort for our business," said a spokesperson. The company has reduced the weight of several products, including their Twirl eggs, Wispa eggs, and Mini Egg bags.
The impact on consumers will be felt in the coming weeks as Easter approaches. With many popular brands now offering smaller but pricier treats, chocolate lovers may have to choose between indulging in their favourite Easter eggs or splurging on other holiday treats.
i dont get how cocoa prices can be so bad, cant they just find cheaper suppliers or something? but nope, manufacturers are all like "ok, we gotta take the hit" 
anyway, i guess ill just have to decide which eggs i want to splurge on this easter... maybe ill just stick with the cheap ones 
Can't they just absorb the costs or something? Or maybe I'm just being greedy... idk.
these easter egg companies are really milking it, shrinking the size of the eggs by 40% and still charging us more money! £7 for a 194g Maltesers egg last year was bad enough but now its a whole £1 more? that's just ridiculous. and what about all the other brands doing the same thing? its like theyre not even trying to hide it anymore. the cocoa prices are crazy and all but that doesnt mean we gotta suffer 
They're shrinking and still charging us more? It's just not fair, you know? I mean, I love a good chocolatey treat as much as the next person, but there's no way I'm gonna shell out £7 for some tiny egg that weighs less than last year. It's like they're taking advantage of people being distracted by all the other Easter goodies 
I feel like, you know? Chocolate is supposed to be a treat 
but when it gets smaller and more expensive... it's just not the same 
. I mean, what's the point of having less for more price tag 
? That's a bit harsh, don't you think? 
Still, I guess it's business as usual for big companies 
. Can we just have regular-sized eggs at regular prices again? 
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The prices are already steep, but now they're expectin' us to shell out even more cash for smaller treats. I mean, what's the deal with that?
It's not like we're made of money, you know? And now they're just gonna keep on takin' from us by passin' those costs on to us consumers. Not cool, mate.
. I mean, have you ever noticed how some hiking trails are literally hidden gems? Like, you follow a path for miles and then suddenly you're on top of a cliff overlooking the entire valley 
, I'm so annoyed with these big companies like Mars Wrigley's UK and Ireland business and Mondelēz International just shrinking their products and increasing prices 
And £7 for a Maltesers egg that weighs 194g? Are you kidding me?! 
. Next thing you know, they'll be selling us 'organic' eggs for three times the price 
.