Easter egg prices force rethink from chocolate lovers

Some Aucklanders are rethinking their Easter plans as chocolate -egg prices continue to rise.

The price of chocolate is increasing worldwide, thanks to global cacao shortages fuelled by the impacts of climate change.

High temperatures and inconsistent rainfall are affecting cocoa growers, particularly in West Africa where 70 per cent of the world’s cocoa is grown, according to Harvard International Review.

New Zealand is feeling the strain. Stats NZ reports that the average price of a 250g block of chocolate rose from $4.90 to $5.72 in a year, increasing by mmore than 16 per cent.

Easter chocolate has long been expensive. Rabobank analyst Pia Piggott told Stuff shorter seasonal runtimes and different packaging and production requirements impacted prices.

A 360g Cadbury chocolate bar costs $9 at Woolworths ($7 on special), while a pack of Cadbury Easter eggs weighing 374g costs $16 – nearly double.

With all chocolate rising in price, price of Easter eggs and festive chocolates have grown more.

A 246g Cadbury Easter egg gift box cost $14.50 in 2024, sparking online outrage.

At the time of publication, the same box has increased to $18, leading to further frustration.

Most Aucklanders TWN spoke to agreed the high price of Easter eggs will turn them off indulging this year. Banker Nadine Keogh called the increases “outrageous”.

“It’s probably impacting my decision on what Easter eggs I buy. There are some that are [...] at a higher price point, which I might usually buy, but [now] I'm looking at other options.”

Chris Watkins, another bank worker, said: “I would go for maybe quality over quantity as a result [of the prices], so buy[ing] less.”

The increase meant for Caleb Poe, senior BNZ partner, that buying Easter chocolate wasn’t on the table at all.

“It’s something that I wouldn’t even consider.”

But others disagreed – bar owner Micheal Hayde professing that he’ll “100 per cent” continue to buy Easter eggs despite their price.

“You can’t sacrifice the joy of Easter [...] for a little change of price.”