Norfolk chocolatier warns chocolate prices will rise further after Easter
'Which?' found the price of chocolate increased by over 12% in a year
A chocolate maker in Norfolk is telling us that the price of chocolates will likely rise further in the coming months.
It's after 'Which?', which tracks food and drink inflation, found the price of chocolate increased by over 12% in a year, following dry weather in West Africa which has been affecting the supply of Cocoa.
It's resulted in some of the most popular Easter Eggs - from brands including Maltesers, Lindt and Cadbury - reportedly costing at least 50 percent more than a year ago.
The physical size of some of these chocolate eggs have also shrunk in size.
"We've been supported really well"
Sarah Norman-Miller is from Carousel Chocolates, in Aylsham:
"Since Christmas, we've seen the price of chocolate rise a bit. I think the knock-on effects will happen in the next few months with that continuing to be an issue.
"Our Easter Eggs have gone up in price by about 15% to 20%
"Supporting local businesses has got far better since Covid. A lot of people now believe that small independents are great to have on the High Street and we've been supported really well. Trade is doing really well, we're thankful for that and hope it continues.
"We are family-run and we know that we are not an essential for everyone. Some people are always needing to buy a gift for a birthday, Christmas, Easter, Valentines or an anniversary."
"You need to reinvest in your businesses so that people come back"
She told us about what they're doing to fight rising prices:
"You get your energy costs down and also shop around for a new card machine, in an effort to get essential costs down. But then you need to reinvest in your businesses so that people come back on a regular basis.
"In the summer we introduce Ice-cream, alongside sweets and chocolates. We also do different events help get us through the year.
"After Christmas you have Valentines, then Mother's Day and Easter- it all helps."