Shrinking Terry’s Chocolate Orange doubles in price since last Christmas Terry’s Chocolate Orange has been a confectionery staple during the Christmas period for years. But in 2017, some supermarkets are […]

Terry’s Chocolate Orange has been a confectionery staple during the Christmas period for years.

But in 2017, some supermarkets are selling the treat – which is typically sold on promotion for £1 – for nearly double the price.

Sainsbury’s has increased the cost to £1.95. During the same week in 2016, the supermarket ran a £1 offer.

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Tesco, which last year advertised the product for £1, now lists it at £1.50.

The Grocer reports the chocolate ball is now 36.2 per cent more expensive than least year, retailing at an average £1.24.

But not all supermarkets have raised the price. Savvy shoppers might instead head to Asda, where the Terry’s Chocolate Orange is still £1, or Morrisons, where it’s just 90p.

Shrinking chocolate

There was outrage last year after Terry’s Chocolate Orange was shrunk by ten per cent, while its prices remained the same.

In October 2016, producers Mondelez International – then operating as Kraft – reduced the weight of the Christmas classic from 175g to 157g. The move was labelled as a “subtle but obvious trick” by some. Terry’s is now owned by Carambar.

The chocolate ball joins a host of other chocolate bars and items in charging more for less.

There was similar fury last year when the 150g Toblerone bar was made lighter. In a bid to save money on production, the manufacturer took away some of the famous Swiss mountain peaks. Now, there are far fewer triangles on which to graze.

There was similar upset when Cadbury raised the price of its Freddo bars, stepping into the 30p territory.

‘Shrinkflation’

Shrinkflation is widely considered to be a direct result of the post-Brexit economy.

Manufacturers are facing higher costs for energy, ingredients, transport and packaging – and the British public has noticed.

In the summer, the Office for National Statistics said: “No, you’re not imagining it – some of your favourite sweets really are shrinking. In November 2016, Toblerone chocolate bars reduced in size by about 10%, provoking outrage online. And Maltesers, M&Ms and Minstrels have gone the same way.

“But it’s not just chocolate bars. Over the last few years, journalists have found examples of loo roll, coffee, fruit juice, sausages, beer and chips getting smaller without getting any cheaper.”

A Facebook group called “Stop Ruining Chocolate” has been established in a bid to fight the confectionery cuts.

Supermarkets set the final price of products.