The beloved Cadbury Mini Eggs, a seasonal favorite leading up to Easter, have sparked outrage among consumers due to a substantial price increase. 80g bags, which were priced at £1.20 with a Tesco Clubcard in March 2023, now cost £1.65 with the same Clubcard discount, a staggering 37.5% increase. Without the Clubcard, the price jumps to £1.85, matching the cost at Poundland and Morrisons. Waitrose customers face an even steeper price of £2.20. The larger 270g family-sized bags have also seen a significant rise, from £3.75 to £4.85, a 29% increase. Social media platforms have been abuzz with consumer complaints, with many expressing disbelief and frustration over the seemingly unjustified price hike. Some have vowed to boycott the treats altogether, while others question the correlation between the price increase and inflation. The sentiment shared online is one of disappointment and dismay, with many feeling that the price increase is excessive for a small bag of chocolate.
The soaring price of cocoa beans, a key ingredient in chocolate production, is cited as the primary driver behind the Mini Eggs price surge. Adverse weather conditions and bean diseases in West Africa, responsible for 70% of the world’s cocoa production, have severely impacted cocoa crops, leading to a four-fold increase in wholesale cocoa prices over the past year. Mondelez, Cadbury’s parent company, acknowledges the financial strain on consumers and emphasizes that price increases are a last resort. They explain that rising input costs, including cocoa, sugar, energy, packaging, and transportation, have made production considerably more expensive. Despite absorbing these costs where possible, Mondelez states that the price adjustments were necessary to maintain the quality and taste consumers expect without jeopardizing the brand’s viability.
While the price increase may be attributed to external factors, budget-conscious consumers are seeking alternative options to satisfy their chocolate cravings. Supermarket own-brand mini eggs, such as Aldi’s Dairyfine Mini Chocolate Eggs and Smarties Mini Eggs, offer a more affordable alternative at around £1 per 80g bag. These alternatives provide a way for consumers to enjoy a similar treat without the hefty price tag of Cadbury’s Mini Eggs. Consumers are also encouraged to employ various money-saving strategies when purchasing chocolate. Switching to supermarket own-brands, comparing prices across different retailers, looking for yellow-stickered discounted items, and buying larger bars when feasible can all contribute to reducing chocolate expenditure.
Comparing prices across different retailers is now easier than ever, thanks to online tools like Google Shopping, Price Spy, Idealo, and CamelCamelCamel. These websites allow consumers to quickly check prices from various stores, ensuring they get the best possible deal. These resources empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and avoid overpaying for their favorite treats. These tools provide price histories, compare prices across multiple retailers, and highlight the cheapest options, ensuring that consumers can find the best deals available.
The price hike of Cadbury Mini Eggs is not the only recent challenge faced by the confectionery giant. Cadbury was recently forced to pull its hot chocolate product from shelves due to quality concerns, leading to shortages for consumers. While the specific nature of the quality issue has not been fully disclosed, its occurrence further complicates Cadbury’s recent public image. This incident, coupled with the Mini Eggs price controversy, casts a shadow on the brand’s reputation and raises concerns about quality control.
Despite these recent setbacks, Cadbury continues to innovate and release new products. The company recently unveiled its 2025 Easter chocolate range, featuring a new selection box with classic treats and the return of a popular egg. This demonstrates Cadbury’s ongoing commitment to providing seasonal offerings and maintaining its presence in the confectionery market. Whether these new products will be subject to similar price increases remains to be seen. The ongoing cost pressures affecting the industry suggest that future price adjustments may be unavoidable.
