Shrinkflation strikes again as the chocolate maker confirmed it had taken the decision because of rising costs
Whether you’re a kid or a big kid, there are certain things that are a big part of the festive season. For many people, one of those is a classic selection box of chocolate.
It’s a staple part of a British Christmas for many a household. And, as shop shelves begin to be populated with festive goods, the good old selection box is starting to catch the eye of shoppers.
Sadly, though, the cost of living crisis remains – and it means fans of a particular Cadbury chocolate are going to find themselves getting a little less this year. The manufacturer has confirmed that one of its Christmas selection boxes will be smaller in 2024.
The Buttons selection box, one of various on offer, weighs in at 340g this year, down from 375g. The Sun reported that the box contained Caramilk Buttons, Orange Giant Buttons and Salted Caramel Buttons when it launched last year.
For this year it has reportedly been changed to include Caramel Nibbles and White Chocolate Buttons, as well as the original Milk Chocolate Buttons. The box was popular with shoppers last year.
The Sun reported that Mondelēz International, which own Cadbury, blamed a rise in cocoa and sugar costs for the move.
A spokesperson said: “This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges. We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face and any changes to our product sizes is a last resort for our business.”
In an example of what is known as ‘shrinkflation’ – where food products get smaller but cost the same – it appears that shoppers will be shelling out around the same price this year as last, for less chocolate. The cost was £5 for the selection box at Asda at the time of writing, the same as last year.
At Tesco it came in at £5 for Clubcard holders, or £6 without the card. The price last year was £4.50 for Clubcard members.
