Consumers are paying nearly 73% more per 100g for Cadbury hollow Easter eggs compared to two years ago, according to consumer advocacy group Choice. The watchdog’s annual price comparison found that Cadbury’s largest pack of hollow eggs has shrunk from 408g to 340g over three years, while the price rose from $12.50 to $18.
Choice journalist Liam Kennedy said Cadbury is “definitely our main culprit” for shrinkflation, noting that the brand’s entire range of boxed hollow eggs has reduced by at least one egg. “We shone a light on Cadbury for doing this last year and they’ve gone and done it again,” Kennedy said. “They’re not too worried about being called out for this – they’ve doubled down on the tactic.”
Mondelēz International, Cadbury’s parent company, attributed the changes to “significantly higher cocoa and input costs globally.” A spokesperson said adjustments were made to help manage cost increases while keeping products at key price points, adding that individual 17g eggs remain the same size.
Kennedy acknowledged that cocoa prices have been volatile, but noted they have fallen significantly in recent months. However, he cautioned that the cocoa used for this year’s batch was bought before the decline, and rising transportation costs mean prices may not drop next Easter. The Mondelēz spokesperson encouraged consumers to “shop around to find the best value” as there are “great specials in-store.”
