Food - Ingredients for Christmas dishes 27 percent more expensive than in 2021
Germans will have to budget significantly more money for Christmas dinner this year than in 2021. According to a market analysis by the NRW consumer advice center, the ingredients of typical festive dishes were on average around 27% more expensive in October 2023 than two years earlier.
For the comparison, the average food prices for classic dishes such as sausages with potato salad, raclette, beef roulades with dumplings and red cabbage as well as cookies, gingerbread and stollen were compared. The study was based on data from the Federal Statistical Office and Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft(AMI).
According to the study, prices for numerous foodstuffs have risen considerably over the past two years. For example, canned sausages were around 34.6 percent more expensive in October 2023, while potatoes cost 33.8 percent more. There was also a significant increase for sliced cheese (38.9 percent), cabbage (29.5 percent), peppers (29.3 percent) and white bread (26.9 percent). Consumers will also have to dig deeper into their pockets for Christmas cookies. Sugar has become 74.6% more expensive on average since October 2021. Prices for wheat flour (69.6 percent), margarine (50.8 percent) and eggs (22 percent) are also significantly higher
"For many people, Christmas dinner will be a financial burden this year. More than 14 million people in Germany are affected or threatened by poverty," says Silvia Monetti, nutrition expert at the NRW consumer advice center. The reasons for the price increases are higher costs for energy and imported goods, labor shortages and higher personnel costs, climate change and crop failures.
The inflation rate in November 2023 was expected to be 3.2%, the lowest level since June 2021. Food prices remain above average. Prices rose by 5.5% compared to the same month last year, which is less than in previous months. Consumers who paid €100 for their supermarket shopping in November 2022 now have to spend an average of €5.50 more.
Consumer advice center NRW
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- Despite the increase in prices for Christmas dish ingredients, many Germans still look forward to their traditional Christmas dinner.
- Visiting a consumer center in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, might provide helpful tips on how to reduce costs for Christmas dinner preparations.
- According to the study, consumer needs for unique Christmas dishes such as sauerkraut, roasted goose, or champagne have also influenced the price surge.
- In the midst of these economical challenges, grocery stores in Germany are promoting non-traditional alternatives for a more affordable Christmas dinner, like vegetarian dishes or locally sourced ingredients.
- Companies in the Trade sector, like AMI in Germany, are working closely with farmers and suppliers to ensure a stable supply of ingredients for Christmas dinner, thus contributing to the nation's food security.
- The consequences of these price increases extend beyond households, as many restaurants and catering businesses are also grappling with rising food costs, potentially affecting Christmas celebrations in public spaces.
Source: www.stern.de
