A more expensive Christmas: higher prices for nougats and bonbons

Inflation in Catalonia continues to ease, but Christmas treats this year are set to cost more than last, according to Spain's major consumer organization, Facua.

After tracking the prices of popular holiday products, Facua has reported price hikes and shrinkflation—a practice where products shrink in size or quantity without a price decrease—in nine products due to changes in packaging or contents.

Products affected include nougat, or turró in Catalan, and chocolate bonbons from brands such as Suchard, Lindt, and Nestlé, all widely available in major supermarkets, as well as two own-brand products by Dia supermarkets.

One notable example is Nestlé’s Caja Roja chocolate bonbons, which have increased in price by 9.1% despite smaller boxes containing fewer chocolates. In October 2023, a 400-gram pack with 44 bonbons cost €10.99. In October this year, the pack size was reduced to 398 grams and 42 bonbons, while the price rose to €11.99. 

The 200-gram box also increased by 8.35%, now priced at €6.49 instead of €5.99.

Same price for less quantity

In contrast, Suchard nougats (or turró in Catalan) remain at the same price as last year, at €3.99 per bar. However, while the 2023 bar weighed 260 grams, the 2024 version has been reduced to 230 grams, effectively increasing the price per kilo by 13%. 

Facua states, "most consumers will not notice this quantity reduction." The cost per kilo now stands at €17.35, up from last year’s €15.35.

In other cases, such as Nestlé’s 100-gram Caja Roja or Nestlé Dark Sublime chocolate bonbons, prices have risen without any change in quantity. Some of these increases exceed 20%.

In response to these changes, Facua is urging Spain’s consumer affairs ministry to "require companies employing shrinkflation tactics to clearly label products affected by these practices for an extended period," according to a statement.