Easter 2025 is proving more expensive than anticipated for Australian households, particularly when it comes to chocolate, a seasonal staple. Despite a recent dip in global cocoa prices, many consumers are still paying significantly more at the checkout.
The reasons lie in a lingering combination of earlier commodity spikes, international trade tensions, and strategic pricing by major manufacturers.
According to a detailed report by 7NEWS, these factors have converged to sustain high retail prices across the country.
From supermarket shelves to specialty confectioners, chocolate lovers are facing costlier options this Easter, prompting many to rethink their usual holiday purchases.
Cocoa Market Remains Volatile Despite Easing Pressures
While global cocoa prices have dropped 21 percent compared to Easter 2024, they remain nearly 200 percent higher than during the 2023 season.
Prices surged from $6,500 to $12,500 per tonne between March 2024 and January, before easing amid improved forecasts for the 2025 harvest.
“In recent years, adverse weather conditions have affected crops in Africa, which we aren’t seeing right now,” said Josh Gilbert, market analyst at eToro. He added,
Record high cocoa prices through 2024 mean consumers globally will still be feeling the pinch when it comes to buying Easter treats this year, and Aussies are no exception.
Australian Retail Prices Rise Amid Global and Domestic Pressures
Australian shoppers are paying more for familiar Easter chocolates. A 180g Cadbury Dairy Milk block now costs $8, up from $6 last year, while a Ferrero Rocher Easter egg has increased from $8 to $10. In some cases, prices have risen by as much as $2 per product.
Manufacturers have responded with shrinkflation strategies. While the price of Cadbury’s hunting Easter eggs has remained steady, the pack now contains 11 eggs instead of 12.
Gilbert also warned that US-imposed tariffs on West African cocoa could further disrupt trade.
“Both are looking to negotiate with President Trump,” he said, referring to Ivory Coast and Ghana which together produce around 70 percent of the world’s cocoa.
Production Issues and Trade Policies Slow Price Recovery
According to Rabobank commodities analyst Paul Joules, tariffs introduced in early April triggered a brief rise in prices, before a subsequent decline.
“It just adds to the volatility and then at the same time you’ve got some genuine supply and production issues,” he said.
Joules also noted that producers in West Africa are buffered from short-term price fluctuations due to government-controlled farmgate pricing, which slows the pace of price correction.
“That’s another element that suggests (prices) will be a bit slower to come down,” he added.
Consumer Habits Shift as Spending Increases
Despite rising chocolate prices, total Easter spending in Australia is expected to reach $4.8 billion, up from $4 billion in 2024, according to a Finder survey of 1,004 respondents. While 49 percent of people planned to buy chocolate—down from 54 percent last year—the average individual spend has risen from $57 to $68.
To manage these pressures, many households are adjusting their traditions.
“A lot of families are giving homemade gifts like rocky road or lollies in small hampers instead this Easter, to save money while still enjoying the festivities,” said Sarah Megginson of Finder.
Environmental and Social Concerns Add to Seasonal Challenges
Farmers in New South Wales’ Riverina region have reported a surge in wild rabbit activity, with paddocks being overrun nightly and significant damage to crops and pastures reported.
In his Easter address, Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher referenced widespread uncertainty and hardship.
“Trade wars, military wars and cyber wars. Natural disasters and climate change. Cost of living, recession, political instability … we can be short on reasons to hope,” he said.
