The price of a biccie break has soared by as much as 60% this month, following inflation in cocoa and dairy.
As many as 200 branded and own-label biscuit lines have risen in price in the traditional big four and Aldi since the start of the year [Assosia 4 w/e 28 January 2025].
McVitie’s Penguin packs (7x24.6g) were one of the highest risers, with a 60% price increase in Morrisons. Having been on promotion at £1.25 at the end of December, their price rose to £1.75 once the activity ended on 1 January – and rose again to £2 on 13 January.
In Aldi, McVitie’s Club Orange packs (7x22g) increased by 19%, from £1.25 to £1.49.
Mondelez brands Cadbury and Oreo have also seen significant hikes. Cadbury Fingers 114g are up 52% in Asda, from £1.25 to £1.90, while Oreo Original 66g is up 33% in Tesco, from 60p to 80p.
In own label, Tesco’s own Milk Chocolate Digestive Biscuits 300g rocketed 23.4%, from 77p to 95p, as shown in The Grocer’s Key Value Items tracker below.
Sainsbury’s Milk Chocolate Digestive Biscuits 300g rose 11.8% from 85p to 95p. The retailer’s own-label Rich Tea Biscuits 200g are up 30%, from 50p to 65p.
It follows a short supply of milk, cream and cocoa in recent months.
McVitie’s reported “increases in input costs with inflationary pressures across our supply chain”. “We are working hard to balance the volatility of costs across our portfolio,” said a spokeswoman.
Mondelez said it was “continuing to experience significantly higher input costs… with ingredients such as cocoa and dairy… costing far more than they have done previously”.
“As a result, we are having to make some carefully considered list price increases.”
Of the retailers contacted, only Aldi pointed to the impact of higher cocoa prices. Sainsbury’s said it was committed to offering value, while Tesco highlighted its investment in promotions.
Morrisons and Asda had not responded at the time of publication.
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