4 days ago
Biscoff chocolate block's ‘special' price at Coles stuns shoppers
The price tag for two blocks of a popular chocolate has sparked uproar among shoppers, with some saying it was a terrifying reflection of a 'new normal'.
Lotus Biscoff chocolate blocks are back in Australian supermarkets. The product is sold in the international aisle, where stock regularly changes, and had been out of stock for a while.
Popular food content creator Ange Eats took to social media to share finding it at Coles.
'Two for $20 on special this week. Everyone's favourite — the white chocolate with Biscoff spread — the milk chocolate with Biscoff biscuits and the milk chocolate with Biscoff spread inside,' he said.
'Run, these will sell out fast. Don't miss out.'
However, it was the price tag of the chocolates that raised eyebrows among shoppers. Currently, the chocolate blocks are two for $20 with a $4 savings at Coles. At other supermarkets, such as Woolworths, the block is $11.
Shoppers promptly called out the brand for the price point.
'Can't wait to get them, just waiting for my finance to be approved,' one shopper scoffed.
'Is that a joke two for $20 on sale? What's it off sale 1 for $20,' another said.
'I can do personal loans if anyone needs one to afford this biscuit,' another added.
One said: 'That's why I don't eat chocolate no (sic) more, it's so expensive.'
'$20 for 2!!!! How is that normal now?' someone else demanded to know.
Another said: '2 FOR $20???? ROBBERY!!! Will I still get them, absolutely.'
'I'm with you! As much as I think these would be a great try, chocolate blocks at this price are going to be this generations avo and toast expense,' one added.
Another said: 'Maybe I'll get them once I remortgage my house.'
contacted Lotus Bakeries for comment.
And while many people were quick to call out the price point, Ange pointed out that a lot of chocolate blocks cost a minimum of $8
Last November, Cadbury made the 'difficult decision' to once again raise the price of its standard chocolate block due to soaring costs that included energy and cocoa.
The price of cocoa more than doubled last year as poor weather conditions in West Africa, the largest cocoa-producing region in the world responsible for 70 per cent of supply, devastated crops.
While major companies like Cadbury owner MondelÄ'z International raised prices, smaller chocolate makers were also feeling the pinch, and some have already been forced out of business.
'There's some that have gone under,' said Helen Curtis, who runs boutique chocolate maker Federation Chocolate with her husband just outside of Hobart, last year.
'Everything is becoming more expensive. It's getting harder to make a product and keep it at a price that people can afford and still allows you to function as a business.'
Ms Curtis said the price of cocoa beans, which make up 80 per cent of the cost of their chocolate, had risen at least 50 per cent over the past two years.
Cocoa prices hit a peak of $16.33 a kilogram in January, but in June it was reported that in May it dropped to $13.65 — a signal that the tide was finally turning.
Adalbert Lechner, Lindt & Sprüngli's CEO, told CNBC that prices of cocoa are set to fall but it will never return to the rate it once was.
