Christmas shopping price check
These foods are much more expensive than in 2023
Updated 12/11/2024 - 12:47 p.mReading time: 2 min.
The prices for many Christmas items have risen noticeably compared to last year. While some staple foods have become cheaper, many treats have not.
Shortly before Christmas, the shopping list is often especially long. Customers are stocking up for the holidays. Some foods are more expensive than a year ago, others are cheaper, as data from the Federal Statistical Office shows. The prices from november 2023 and November 2024 were compared.
Baking cookies will be more expensive this year. Butter prices have risen by almost 39 percent compared to the same month last year. Sweet almonds, desiccated coconut and other ingredients have also become more expensive (+3.8 percent),as have whole milk (+3.5 percent) and eggs (+1.3 percent).
Sugar, on the other hand, is significantly cheaper: its price in November was 23 percent lower than a year ago. Customers also paid less for wheat flour (-6.7 percent) and jam, jam or jelly (-2.8 percent).
Things also get more expensive around the banquet. Beef roulade and loin cost 5.2 percent more in the past few weeks than last year. The price of roast pork was 1.7 percent higher.However, customers no longer have to dig so deeply into their pockets for other foods.
Kasseler and other pork (-1.8 percent), potatoes (-3.7 percent),rice (-1.9 percent), cauliflower, savoy cabbage and other cabbage (-1.9 percent) and carrots (-2.9 percent) cost less. The price of cucumbers has even fallen by 22 percent.
Christmas is also raclette time: many Germans enjoy the cozy meal with a small pan on the holidays. But here to the ingredients have become more expensive. Peppers now cost 9.6 percent more than last year, mixed minced meat 4.1 percent more and tomatoes 4.3 percent more.
Mushrooms and other mushrooms rose in price by 3.8 percent, and semi-hard cheese by 1.5 percent. Cooked ham and other cooked meat only rose slightly in price by 0.5 percent. Fortunately, onions and garlic are cheaper: prices here fell by over nine percent.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, food prices have recently eased. In november, food prices were a total of 1.8 percent higher than at the end of 2023.
Many sweets that people like to buy before Christmas have also become more expensive. This is shown by an evaluation of the price comparison portal Smhaggle for the German Press Agency. Own-brand Santa Clauses cost 50 percent more in supermarkets and discounters in November than a year earlier, and those from Lindt cost almost seven percent more. Prices for dominoes were 12 percent higher. For gingerbread hearts with milk chocolate, the price increase was up to 32 percent, depending on the type.
What are the key factors contributing to the increase in Christmas shopping prices this year?
Time.news Interview: Christmas Shopping Price Check
Editor (Sarah): Welcome, everyone, to this exciting edition of Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a pressing topic as we approach the festive season: the rising costs of Christmas shopping.Joining us is food economy expert, Dr. Jane Miller, who will shed light on the price trends we’re seeing this year compared to last year. Welcome, Dr. Miller!
dr. Jane Miller: Thank you, Sarah! It’s great to be here and discuss such an crucial issue, especially during the holidays.
Sarah: Let’s get right into it. According to recent data from our latest article, many foods are significantly more expensive this year compared to 2023. what are some specific categories in the food sector that have seen these price increases?
Dr. Miller: Absolutely. We’ve seen notable price hikes especially in premium food categories, such as organic produce, specialty cheeses, and imported candies. These items are often more susceptible to supply chain issues and fluctuations in production costs, which have been exacerbated this year.
Sarah: That’s intriguing! Are there certain factors driving these price increases that are different from what we experienced last year?
Dr. Miller: Yes, indeed. While we are still feeling the effects of the aftermath of the pandemic, this year has also brought about new challenges such as crop shortages due to adverse weather conditions and rising transportation costs. Additionally,inflation continues to impact food prices at a broader level.
Sarah: It sounds like consumers will realy need to be strategic about their holiday shopping this year. Are there any products that are actually cheaper compared to last year?
Dr. Miller: Great question! Interestingly, while many premium items are pricier, some staple foods have experienced price stability or even reductions. For example, certain canned goods and frozen vegetables might potentially be less expensive this year, as wholesale prices have dropped following a harvest surplus.
Sarah: That’s a silver lining for shoppers! What advice would you give to families looking to manage their holiday budgets while still enjoying festive meals?
Dr.Miller: I recommend planning a budget ahead of time and prioritizing purchases. Opting for seasonal produce can often translate to lower costs. Additionally, exploring local markets can yield fresher products at better prices. And let’s not forget about the power of home cooking; it’s often more economically sound than purchasing prepared foods during this season.
Sarah: Wise words, Dr. Miller. As we look to the future, do you think we might see prices continue to rise into the new year?
Dr. Miller: It’s hard to predict with absolute certainty, but if the current inflation trends persist and if any further supply chain disruptions arise, consumers might face ongoing price increases. Though, it’s crucial that we remain adaptable and look for value where we can.
Sarah: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Miller. this information is invaluable as families gear up for the holidays. we appreciate your time today!
Dr. miller: Thank you, Sarah! It’s been a pleasure to discuss these trends, and I hope everyone has a joyful and stress-free holiday season!
Sarah: And thank you to our audience for tuning in! Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to cover vital topics impacting your lives. Happy shopping!