Merry Shrinkmas? Families set for smaller chocolate boxes and sparser trees this year

Christmas lovers up and down the country are set to be disappointed this year, as the companies providing chocolate and trees for the big day seem to be spreading less festive cheer than the public is used to.

Families may find less room on their trees for decorations, with tree sizes shrinking and the gaps between branches widening.  

Oliver Combe, from the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA), explained that restricted growth is due to dry weather, saying: “There was no rain to wash the nutrients in.” 

Despite any sparseness, William Rose, owner of Fillingham Christmas Trees in Lincolnshire,  maintained that real trees still beat artificial ones: “It’s the joy of coming out to a farm and choosing your tree, and, of course, the smell.”  

Quality Street is not the only one: the Grinch has also gotten to Mars’ Celebrations, with the box going from 550g in 2024 to 500g this year

Boxes of chocolate are another Christmas staple for families across the UK, whether it’s while watching a Christmas movie or as an after-dinner treat.  

However, they may be disappointed when they open the iconic Quality Street box to find that it’s gone on a diet, decreasing from 600g to 550g. Even the chocolates themselves are smaller, with the infamous Purple One shrinking from 9.59g to 8.46g.  

And Quality Street is not the only one: the Grinch has also gotten to Mars’ Celebrations, with the box going from 550g in 2024 to 500g this year.  

Despite the smaller portions, chocolate is getting increasingly expensive due to the spiralling cost of cocoa and consecutive poor harvests in West Africa, where more than half the world’s cocoa beans are harvested.  

A spokesperson from Nestlé, who own Quality Street, said: “We think our pricing is competitive with a good variety of choice for Quality Street fans. Final prices are at the discretion of individual retailers.” 

Supermarkets must be more upfront about their prices

Reena Sewraz, senior editor at Which?

It is not only chocolate and trees which have shrunk. Basic essentials, such as breakfast items and toothpaste, have also fallen victim to shrinkflation this year.  

For example, Sainsbury’s Scottish Oats have shrunk from 1kg to 500g, but the price has increased by 85p, now at £2.10. Similarly, Aquafresh Complete Care Original Toothpaste has gone from £1.30 for 100ml to £2 for 75ml.  

Reena Sewraz, senior editor at Which?, said: “Households are already under immense financial pressure with food bills inching up and the expense of Christmas looming on the horizon … Supermarkets must be more upfront about their prices.”