Lorraine Williamson
Shoppers wandering through Spain’s supermarkets have already spotted the seasonal displays: shelves stacked with turrón, mantecados, polvorones, and every sugary delight associated with the festive season. But one question is hanging over the celebration this year: how long can families afford it? As prices climb once again, the country’s most cherished Christmas treat risks becoming a small luxury rather than a staple.
Turrón has always held an emotional pull in Spain, woven through childhood memories, family rituals, and regional pride. Yet this winter, producers warn that significant price hikes are unavoidable. Spanish households—already stretched by rising living costs—are feeling the squeeze.
Industry data shows an average increase of 8% to 20% across Christmas sweets. These figures are not isolated to this season; they reflect a broader shift in the global food economy.
Why are prices rising so sharply?
Behind every bar of turrón lies a long chain of ingredients vulnerable to climate shocks and market volatility. Almonds, at the heart of classic Jijona and Alicante turrón, are in short supply after poor harvests in Spain’s main producing regions. With reduced domestic production, manufacturers are turning to imports—driving prices up further.
Cocoa markets are also under strain. Ghana and the Ivory Coast, responsible for the majority of the world’s supply, have seen climate-related failures hit yields. Sugar, another essential ingredient, is facing similar pressures due to difficult harvests in Brazil and Thailand. Add rising energy costs to the mix, and the seasonal spike becomes almost inevitable.
Traditional turrón takes the biggest hit
It’s the most iconic varieties that are absorbing the largest increases. Hard and soft almond turrón depend heavily on the nut’s quality and supply. Producers say they’ve held off raising prices for years, absorbing costs wherever possible. This year, the margin is gone: passing the rise to consumers is the only option.
The chocolate sector isn’t spared
Chocolate-based turrón, bonbons, and festive classics such as roscones de Reyes are also climbing in price. With cocoa now one of the world’s most volatile agricultural commodities, even supermarket staples are edging out of the bargain range. It’s a shift that contrasts sharply with the image of Christmas treats as affordable indulgences.
How shoppers are adapting
Supermarkets report a clear pattern: Shoppers are switching from premium brands to store brands, buying earlier to spread costs, and waiting for targeted promotions. Private-label turrón has become an essential lifeline for maintaining festive traditions without overstretching budgets.
There’s another subtle shift too: families are choosing fewer varieties and sticking to favourites.
Still cheaper than many European neighbours
Despite national frustration over the price rises, Spain’s festive sweets remain comparatively affordable within Europe. In countries such as Germany, France, or Belgium, seasonal confections carry a much higher price tag. Producers stress that Spanish consumers still enjoy some of the lowest Christmas sweet prices on the continent—though that gap may be narrowing.
What the future holds
Experts warn that, unless climate volatility and energy costs stabilise, next year could bring another round of increases. With global raw materials becoming more unpredictable, Spain’s Christmas sweets risk drifting further into the territory of “occasional treat” rather than annual certainty.
For now, turrón remains firmly anchored in Spanish festive culture. But as costs mount, households may soon face a difficult question: how much tradition can they afford?
Source: El Economista