EGGSTORTION

Rising cocoa bean prices are being blamed for spike in Easter treat costs

- SEAN MURPHY

PRODUCTION costs of Easter eggs is soaring due to rising prices of cocoa beans.

Global financial uncertainty due to Donald Trump's worldwide tariff threats, climate change and labour costs have been attributed.

As well as eggs costing over €20, and some as high as €50, shoppers also face shrinkflation as makers reduce sizes.

Chocolatier company Lusso in Ballincollig, Co Cork, is one of many impacted by soaring cocoa prices.

Spokesman Ian Kerrigan said: "The second the price of the cocoa goes up, we have to raise our prices in some way."

Research from market analysts such as Kantar and consumer group Which? confirmed prices are climbing.

Figures show a record €9.9million was spent last year on Easter eggs in the week before Easter Sunday, up 22% from 2023.

It is calculated they are likely to cost up to 50% more this year.

Many 200g eggs now cost €7.50 more than double the price from five years ago, which is partly because cocoa now costs four times more.