Decline in Chocolate Easter Bunnies Production Amid Rising Cocoa Prices

As the festive season approaches, German chocolate manufacturers are facing challenges due to soaring cocoa prices, leading to a reduction in the production of chocolate Easter bunnies. According to the German Confectionery Industry Association (BDSI), approximately 228 million chocolate bunnies have been made this year, marking a 5% decrease from 2024's production of around 240 million.

Nearly half of these chocolate bunnies, roughly 108 million, are slated for sale within Germany, while the remainder will be exported abroad. A recent survey conducted by YouGov indicates that about 38% of Germans plan to gift chocolate bunnies this Easter.

The rising costs have caught the attention of consumer advocates, who warn that chocolate bunnies are priced significantly higher than standard chocolate bars containing the same amount of cocoa. Reports suggest that consumers could pay between 50 cents and 1.50 euros more for an Easter bunny compared to regular chocolate bars. Additionally, there are notable price disparities among various brands, with some Easter bunnies costing two to three times more than similar products available at discount retailers, despite only minor variations in cocoa content.

In defense of the pricing, the BDSI has emphasized the complexities involved in producing seasonal confections like chocolate bunnies, chicks, and lambs. A spokesperson highlighted that the manufacturing process for these items entails higher demands in terms of design, labor, storage, and logistics compared to standard chocolate bars.

There are also common misconceptions regarding the recycling of leftover chocolate figures from previous holidays. The BDSI refutes the claim that surplus chocolate Santas or Christmas figures are melted down and reformed into Easter bunnies, asserting that each seasonal product is made from freshly produced chocolate.

Major companies such as Lindt and Milka have recently increased their chocolate product prices, citing the rise in raw material costs as the driving factor. This trend is reflected in consumption patterns, with market researcher NIQ reporting a 10% decrease in the sales volume of tablet chocolate in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year. However, this decline might also be attributed to the later date of the Easter holiday this year.