Chocolate prices soar before popular sale day, catching shoppers off guard
By
Gian T
- Replies 4
If you’ve ever wandered the supermarket aisles and spotted that iconic triangular box, you know a celebration is just around the corner.
We’re talking about the legendary staple for Father’s Day, Christmas, and just about any occasion that calls for a little indulgence.
But if you’ve recently reached for your favourite Swiss chocolate treat, you may have noticed something that left a bitter taste in your mouth: the price.
The 360g Toblerone bar—once a go-to gift and a cheeky treat for many of us—has seen a jaw-dropping price hike.
The standard price now sits at a whopping $18 at both Coles and Woolworths. For many, that’s enough to make you put the chocolate back on the shelf and start thinking about what else you could buy with that money.
A family dinner? A week’s worth of fruit? Even a few tanks of petrol or a round of takeaway coffees!
So, what’s behind this sudden surge in price? According to Mondelēz International, the company behind Toblerone, it’s a combination of factors that have hit the chocolate industry hard.
Severe weather and crop disease in Africa have led to a global cocoa shortage, causing cocoa prices to quadruple since 2022.
Add in rising costs for electricity, transport, and logistics, and it’s no wonder chocolate is starting to feel like a luxury item.
Mondelēz explained, ‘A price adjustment is always a last resort and is necessary to ensure we can continue to deliver the highest quality chocolate that our consumers expect and love.’
They also pointed out that while the recommended retail price has increased by $2 (from $16 to $18), retailers ultimately set their own prices and promotions.
But before you swear off Toblerone for good, there’s a silver lining. If you’re willing to shop around, you can still find deals.
Woolworths, for example, has been selling the 360g bar for just $8, less than half the recommended retail price.
The Reject Shop has them for $10, and Coles is offering two for $22 ($11 each).
Even Big W has joined in, marking them down to $14. So, with a bit of savvy shopping, you can still enjoy your favourite treat without breaking the bank.
Of course, this isn’t just about Toblerone. The price of chocolate across the board is on the rise, and it’s not clear when—or if—things will return to normal. Mondelēz says they’re working hard to offer a range of products to suit different budgets, including smaller bars and gift packs.
But with cocoa prices at record highs, chocolate lovers everywhere are feeling the pinch.
For many of us, chocolate has always been a little luxury—a way to treat ourselves or show someone we care.
But with prices climbing, it’s worth thinking about how we spend our treat money.
Maybe it’s time to savour those Toblerone triangles a little more slowly, or look for sales and stock up when the price is right.
And with Father’s Day and Christmas just around the corner, let’s hope the supermarkets bring back those beloved discounts.
Have you noticed the price of your favourite chocolates going up? Are you still treating yourself, or have you cut back? Do you have any tips for finding the best deals on sweet treats? Share your thoughts and shopping strategies in the comments below.
Read more: Woolworths shoppers become furious over price hike of popular chocolate: ‘No way I’m paying’
We’re talking about the legendary staple for Father’s Day, Christmas, and just about any occasion that calls for a little indulgence.
But if you’ve recently reached for your favourite Swiss chocolate treat, you may have noticed something that left a bitter taste in your mouth: the price.
The 360g Toblerone bar—once a go-to gift and a cheeky treat for many of us—has seen a jaw-dropping price hike.
The standard price now sits at a whopping $18 at both Coles and Woolworths. For many, that’s enough to make you put the chocolate back on the shelf and start thinking about what else you could buy with that money.
A family dinner? A week’s worth of fruit? Even a few tanks of petrol or a round of takeaway coffees!
So, what’s behind this sudden surge in price? According to Mondelēz International, the company behind Toblerone, it’s a combination of factors that have hit the chocolate industry hard.
Severe weather and crop disease in Africa have led to a global cocoa shortage, causing cocoa prices to quadruple since 2022.
Add in rising costs for electricity, transport, and logistics, and it’s no wonder chocolate is starting to feel like a luxury item.
Mondelēz explained, ‘A price adjustment is always a last resort and is necessary to ensure we can continue to deliver the highest quality chocolate that our consumers expect and love.’
They also pointed out that while the recommended retail price has increased by $2 (from $16 to $18), retailers ultimately set their own prices and promotions.
But before you swear off Toblerone for good, there’s a silver lining. If you’re willing to shop around, you can still find deals.
Woolworths, for example, has been selling the 360g bar for just $8, less than half the recommended retail price.
The Reject Shop has them for $10, and Coles is offering two for $22 ($11 each).
Even Big W has joined in, marking them down to $14. So, with a bit of savvy shopping, you can still enjoy your favourite treat without breaking the bank.
But with cocoa prices at record highs, chocolate lovers everywhere are feeling the pinch.
For many of us, chocolate has always been a little luxury—a way to treat ourselves or show someone we care.
But with prices climbing, it’s worth thinking about how we spend our treat money.
Maybe it’s time to savour those Toblerone triangles a little more slowly, or look for sales and stock up when the price is right.
And with Father’s Day and Christmas just around the corner, let’s hope the supermarkets bring back those beloved discounts.
Otherwise, socks might be the only thing in Dad’s gift bag this year!
Key Takeaways
- The recommended retail price of the 360g Toblerone bar has increased to $18 at Coles and Woolworths, with Mondelēz International citing a global cocoa shortage, severe weather, crop disease, and rising input costs as the main reasons for the hike.
- Shoppers have been shocked by the sharp price increase, comparing the cost of one Toblerone to essential groceries, petrol, or a week’s worth of takeaway coffees.
- Despite the higher RRP, major supermarkets and discount retailers like Woolworths, Coles, The Reject Shop, and Big W are offering significant sales on Toblerone bars, with prices ranging from $8 to $14 depending on the store and promotion.
- Mondelēz said it reviews prices regularly to balance rising costs and consumer needs, and offers a variety of Toblerone sizes and prices, while encouraging customers to shop around for the best deals.
Read more: Woolworths shoppers become furious over price hike of popular chocolate: ‘No way I’m paying’