Global cocoa prices have surged, forcing the German Easter bunny production to take a hit. Chocolate bunnies will now be sold at a premium price due to increased manufacturing costs.
High Global Cocoa Prices Impact Easter Bunny Production in Germany
High global cocoa prices have put a strain on the German confectionery industry, leading to a reduction in the production of chocolate bunnies ahead of Easter. According to the Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI), 240 million chocolate bunnies were manufactured this year, which is 5% less than last year.
The Easter Bunny has its roots in pre-Christian, Germanic cultures.
In ancient Germany, the rabbit was seen as a symbol of fertility and rebirth.
The goddess Eostre, or Ostara, was often depicted with eggs and hares, representing new life and springtime.
German immigrants brought this tradition to America, where it evolved into the Easter Bunny we know today.
According to folklore, the Easter Bunny delivers eggs and candy on Easter morning, a practice still observed in many countries around the world.
The BDSI attributes the decline in production to ‘skyrocketing cocoa prices,’ which have quadrupled in value since the start of last year. The industry association cites the impact of cacao swollen shoot virus and climate change on West African harvests as a major contributor to the price increase.
Cocoa prices are influenced by global demand, supply chain disruptions, and weather conditions.
The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) sets the world price for cocoa beans.
Factors such as droughts in West Africa, where 70% of the world's cocoa is produced, can impact prices.
In 2020, cocoa prices reached a 10-year high due to a combination of factors including low global production and strong demand from chocolate manufacturers.
Challenges in Manufacturing Easter Bunnies
Chocolate bunnies are more complicated and expensive to manufacture than similarly-sized chocolate bars, resulting in a higher price premium for consumers. The BDSI claims that the added cost is due to factors such as product design, logistics, and storage, rather than any inherent difference in manufacturing costs.
Easter bunnies have their roots in pre-Christian, Germanic and Anglo-Saxon cultures.
The rabbit was a symbol of fertility and rebirth due to its high reproductive rate.
According to folklore, the Easter bunny delivers 'eggs and candies' on Easter morning.
This tradition was brought to America by German immigrants in the 18th century.
Today, the Easter bunny is a beloved character in many countries, often depicted as a friendly, anthropomorphic rabbit.
Impact on Sales and Export
While the majority of chocolate bunnies (around half) will be sold domestically in Germany, the other half will be exported to neighboring countries and international markets, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and others. The BDSI emphasizes that the higher price is a result of these additional costs, rather than an attempt to capitalize on consumer demand.
‘A bunny, chick or lamb made of chocolate cannot be compared with the price of a bar of chocolate in terms of the manufacturing costs,’ said a confectionery industry spokesperson. ‘This price premium is passed on to the consumer, with chocolate Easter bunnies costing two-to-three times as much as similar chocolate products.’
