In a move that's left British chocolate lovers feeling short-changed, confectionery giant Cadbury has quietly reduced the number of bars in its popular Wispa and Crunchie multipacks while keeping prices firmly unchanged.
The controversial change, which sees packs shrink from five bars to four, represents a hidden 20% price increase for consumers already grappling with the ongoing cost of living crisis. The discovery was made by sharp-eyed shoppers who noticed the subtle but significant reduction in their favourite treats.
The Shrinkflation Strategy Exposed
Parent company Mondelez International, which owns the Cadbury brand, has implemented what industry experts call 'shrinkflation' - the practice of reducing product sizes while maintaining the same price point. This strategy allows companies to combat rising production costs without immediately alarming price-sensitive consumers.
The affected products include:
- Cadbury Wispa Gold bars: Reduced from 5 to 4 bars per pack
- Cadbury Crunchie bars: Reduced from 5 to 4 bars per pack
- Cadbury Wispa bars: Similarly reduced from 5 to 4 bars
Consumer Backlash and Industry Response
The changes have sparked significant backlash from consumers and consumer advocacy groups alike. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, accusing Mondelez of deceptive practices during a period when many families are watching every penny.
"This is just another example of companies trying to pull the wool over consumers' eyes," said one disgruntled shopper. "They're hoping we won't notice that we're getting less for our money."
Mondelez International has defended the changes, citing "rising production costs" and "significant inflation" as driving factors behind the decision. The company maintains that such adjustments are necessary to keep their products affordable while dealing with increased expenses for ingredients, energy, and transportation.
The Bigger Picture: Shrinkflation Across the UK
Cadbury's move is far from isolated. Numerous food and beverage manufacturers have employed similar shrinkflation tactics in recent months as they navigate economic pressures. From reduced crisp packets to smaller chocolate bars, British shoppers are increasingly getting less for their money.
Consumer experts warn that this trend erodes trust between brands and their customers. "When companies reduce sizes without being transparent about it, they risk damaging long-term brand loyalty," noted a retail analyst. "Consumers remember when they feel short-changed."
The Wispa and Crunchie reduction comes as particularly sensitive given Cadbury's cherished status in British culture. For many, the brand represents quality and tradition - values that appear compromised by what many perceive as stealth price increases.
As shrinkflation continues to affect supermarket shelves across the country, consumer advocates are calling for greater transparency from manufacturers about size changes and clearer unit pricing to help shoppers make informed decisions during these challenging economic times.
