Mars reduces Celebrations packaging for the second time this year: what's happening with cocoa prices.

Reduction in chocolate box sizes

According to The Sun: The Mars company has once again reduced the sizes of its popular Celebrations boxes to 500g, meaning consumers will receive approximately five fewer sweets. This news may disappoint many chocolate fans ahead of the holidays.

© Sophia-Loren Alexander/The Sun

The reduction in size is being implemented in supermarkets ahead of the holiday season. For example, these smaller boxes are being offered at Asda for £5.64, while at Morrisons and Sainsbury's the price is £7.

In contrast, the largest supermarket in the UK, Tesco, continues to offer larger boxes - 550g for £7 or £4.50 for Clubcard holders.

This is already the second consecutive year that Mars has reduced the sizes of its holiday assortments. Last year, the size of the boxes was decreased from 600g to 550g.

“Mars blamed the rising costs of raw materials and operations.”

Global cocoa prices are under pressure due to disappointing harvests caused by unfavorable weather conditions in West Africa. Experts report a 43% increase in cocoa prices since 2022.

However, the reduction in sizes has not only affected Mars. The manufacturer Quality Street, the Nestlé company, has also reduced the size of its purple boxes from 600g to 550g, decreasing the number of candies from 63 to 57.

“A Nestlé spokesperson cited the cost of manufacturing, ingredients and transport for the cut.”

Reduction in chocolate product sizes

It is worth noting that all major manufacturers are reducing the sizes of their treats as they try to cope with rising raw material costs.

For example, last month it became known that Cadbury reduced the size of its Brunch bars from five to four, but without changing the price - £1.50. This means that the actual cost of the bars has risen by 20%.

Cadbury also reduced the size of Freddo packs from five to four, while the number of bars in Cadbury Dairy Milk multipacks decreased from nine to seven. The company recently reduced the size of its Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks by a third.

How to save on chocolate

Everyone loves chocolate, but you don't have to spend a lot of money on your favorite dessert.

Consumer journalist Sam Walker shares some tips on saving:

• Choose own brands – if you're not too picky about taste and just want to satisfy your chocolate cravings, opt for supermarket own products.
• Compare prices – if you find your favorite product in one supermarket, check if it is cheaper elsewhere.
• Look for discounts – supermarket employees mark products with yellow, orange, and red labels to indicate discounts.
• Buy larger bars – chocolate is usually cheaper per 100g when bought in larger packages.

The implemented changes in chocolate box sizes are related to rising raw material and production costs. Manufacturers are trying to adapt to new market conditions by reducing the quantity of products in packages without changing prices. This phenomenon underscores a new reality that both consumers and manufacturers are facing, requiring attention from both buyers and companies.