Bakeries expect to sell 700,000 'Mones de Pasqua' Easter cakes

Catalan bakeries are ready to sell around 700,000 'Mones de Pasqua' Easter cakes this week, reaching similar numbers to last year's sales, which were also similar to pre-Covid sales levels. 

While inflation has skyrocketed over the past year, the cost of buying a 'Mona de Pasqua' in 2023 will be similar to last year, as prices have not increased "that much," the Barcelona bakeries association told the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

Chocolate cakes cost the same as last year, but sponge cakes have increased by around 5%, as flour, eggs, and sugar are now more expensive.

However, bakeries expect good sales this Easter week, as "this year, Easter week takes place at the beginning of the month, and it is always better as people have already received their salary and are happier," Antoni Bellart told ACN.

"The weather is also improving, encouraging people to enjoy Easter," he added.

Barça, Disney, Harry Potter, and superheroes

A 'Mona de Pasqua' has many forms, from a traditional sponge cake topped with a chocolate egg to just a chocolate cake with many figurines.

These last ones tend to be the most creative ones as they open the door for pasty chefs to create unique 'Mones,' including a small replica of an elephant that helped one Catalan chocolatier be crowned the world's best. 

However, FC Barcelona, Disney characters, Harry Potter, and superheroes continue to be the most popular ones. Recently, to the most popular list, bakeries have added 'mones' that feature Fortnite characters.

But while many bakeries work their magic on chocolate figurines, the best selling 'Mones de Pasqua' are sponge cakes with chocolate eggs on top.

Around 40% of the sales are of chocolate cakes, while 60% are of traditional ones, as "it is more affordable, and it is easier to share with many," Bellart said.