Starburst has made a change to its sweets that is likely to infuriate shoppers. The company behind the treat, Mars Wrigley, has reduced the size of its Starburst packets. This means that customers will now receive three fewer sweets, but they will still have to pay the same price. The change affects the pouches, which have shrunk in size from 152g to 138g. Despite the decrease in size, the price has remained the same at £1.25.
Higher costs for raw materials and operations leads to shrinkage
A spokesperson for Mars Wrigley UK explained that the company has been trying to find ways to absorb the increasing costs of raw materials and operations. The rising cost of living has affected both consumers and businesses across the UK. In light of these pressures, reducing the size of their products was a necessary step to ensure that shoppers can still enjoy their favorite Starburst treats without compromising on quality or taste.
Similar reductions seen in other products
Starbursts are not the only products that have reduced in size but not in cost. Other popular treats such as Celebrations, Heroes, and Roses have also hit supermarket shelves weighing 50g less than last year. Celebrations, for example, have been reduced in size from 650g to 600g but now cost 50p more. The rising costs in raw materials have led Mars Wrigley to reduce the number of sweets in tubs and increase the price.
Shoppers pay more for less
The recommended retail price (RRP) for tubs of Celebrations and Roses is set by Mars Wrigley. However, retailers have the freedom to sell them for less if they choose to do so. This year, the RRP has increased from £5 to £5.50. Consequently, shoppers are paying more for fewer chocolates. Similarly, Cadbury has also reduced the size of its Heroes and Roses tubs from 600g to 550g, citing the same reasons. The retail price set by Cadbury for both tubs remains at £8.09. This tactic of reducing the size while keeping the price the same is known as shrinkflation.
Shrinkflation affects more than just sweets
It's not just sweets that are being affected by shrinkflation. Bottled beers, frozen vegetables, cheese, tea, and coffee are just a few examples of other items recently affected by this trend. Companies are reducing the size of their products while maintaining or increasing the price, which leaves shoppers paying the same amount for less product.
Changes in popular sweet treats
In addition to Starburst, other popular sweet treats have also undergone changes recently. Lucozade, for instance, has changed the recipe of its beloved drink, much to the dismay of some consumers. Similarly, Cadbury has axed one of its most popular products, leaving fans devastated.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/money/four-savvy-ways-to-get-ready-for-winter-and-save-before-the-cold-comes/
