‘Sour taste’ as cost of sugar hits Easter eggs and hot cross buns, say UK retailers

The BRC said consumers should not expect to see Easter eggs at discount prices on the shelves. Photograph: Kevin Britland/Alamy

A surge in the cost of sugar on global commodity markets is being blamed for a rise in the price of chocolate eggs and hot cross buns ahead of celebrations over the Easter weekend.

Figures from global food markets show that the main ingredients of traditional festive treats – butter, eggs, cocoa and sugar – have risen in price month after month since last summer, with sugar at a six-year high.