Swedes Flock to Bulk Bins for Chocolate as Inflation Bites
KALMAR, Sweden – Consumers across Sweden are turning to bulk candy sections to save on chocolate costs, with some finding prices as much as a third lower than pre-packaged options at major retailers, according to a recent report by Barometern. The trend comes as Sweden grapples with rising inflation, which reached 3 percent in July – a jump from 2.8 percent the previous month, according to Statistics Sweden.
The price comparison highlighted by Barometern found that bulk biscuit chocolate was considerably cheaper than chocolate cake purchased at the nationwide candy store Kandyz. Additionally, Fazer Milk Chocolate was found to be SEK 16 cheaper at select candy stores compared to chocolate cake at Hemköp.
Inflation is being driven by increases in package travel (up 16 percent in July), car rentals, and food, with food prices rising 1.1 percent overall. Specifically, treats like soft drinks and chocolate have seen price increases.
Carl-johan Berletin, sales manager at the Eko store in Kalmar, noted a surge in demand for bulk chocolate. “Then there are those who come here and buy several kilos with biscuit chocolate to sell on in their small shops,” he told Barometern. “It is indeed the same with compounds or discos,they come and fill as much as they can.”