In the UK, the price of Easter eggs has seen a dramatic increase of 50% compared to the previous year, primarily due to the rising cost of chocolate, which itself has surged by 12.6%. This escalation is attributed to adverse weather conditions in West Africa, significantly impacting cocoa yields. Cocoa farmers, crucial to the chocolate industry, earn only a minimal portion of the profits, with reports indicating that from a £5 Easter egg, the farmer’s share is roughly £0.30.

This disparity has highlighted the ongoing challenges within the industry, including poverty, child labour, and environmental issues. Efforts by Fairtrade and Tony’s Chocolonely aim to provide fair compensation to cocoa farmers, suggesting that allocating just 0.7% of global chocolate revenue could significantly improve farmers’ livelihoods and tackle human rights abuses in the cocoa value chain.

Meanwhile, the increase in cocoa prices has impacted the broader chocolate market, with Freddo bars, an informal economic indicator, expected to rise in price from 25p to 36p for an 18g bar. This spike is part of a larger trend affected by supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and climate change.

Amidst rising chocolate costs, the demand for premium Easter eggs has surged. Luxury eggs, such as Hotel Chocolat’s £29.45 extra-thick eggs and £85 1kg Ostrich eggs, are selling briskly, alongside offerings from major brands like Cadbury, Mars, and Nestlé. Super-sized eggs are increasingly popular, fueled by social media and a consumer push for unique and exotic flavors. The trend towards indulgent “mood boosters” reflects a shift in consumer behavior, emphasizing the desire for small luxuries in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis.