During the holiday season, many people indulge in favorite high-calorie treats, such as luxury cheeses, Christmas puddings, and assorted chocolates. Brands like Quality Street, Cadbury’s Roses, Toblerone, and Terry’s Chocolate Orange are commonly enjoyed during this festive time.
Recent findings by The Grocer reveal that most of these chocolate treats have decreased in size for the year 2025, leading to price increases of up to one-third. Notably, the cost of a larger tin of assorted chocolates has risen significantly, with prices reaching £16.50.
Quality Street, for example, has reduced its weight from 600g to 550g, yet prices have gone up in major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons. Conversely, Asda has lowered its price to £4.68 from £6. Celebrations, Cadbury’s Roses, and other popular chocolates have also seen size reductions with corresponding price hikes at various retailers.
One significant price increase is observed in Terry’s Chocolate Orange, which has shrunk from 157g to 145g but now costs £2 at Tesco, marking a 33.3% rise from the previous year. The spike in prices is attributed to higher raw material costs, particularly due to poor harvests in West Africa, impacting cocoa production.
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit reports a 43% increase in cocoa prices since 2022. According to Nestle and Mars Wrigley UK, the price adjustments reflect rising manufacturing expenses driven by cocoa price hikes, ultimately affecting product sizes and prices to maintain quality standards.
These changes are a response to market conditions and consumer preferences, as companies strive to balance quality and affordability for customers. Individual retailers determine final prices based on various factors, ensuring a competitive and diverse range of options for consumers.