Chocolate prices diverge as discounters react to cocoa market shifts

A price gap is emerging between brand-name chocolate and discount retailer offerings. While discounters like Aldi and Lidl have lowered prices for certain products following a drop in cocoa prices, major brands such as Milka and Kinder have not seen similar reductions.

A consumer expert from the Hamburg Consumer Advice Center explains that brand-name manufacturers often purchase cocoa between 12 and 18 months in advance. Consequently, current fluctuations in raw material market prices may not immediately impact retail shelf prices for large companies like Mondelez or Ferrero.

In response to seasonal demand, Aldi Süd has expanded its Choceur private label assortment. New products include caramel biscuit milk chocolate, wafer bars, and nut-filled spheres. Some items, such as a new variety of milk-cream filled wafers, are noted as limited-time offerings.