Price of ice cream likely to skyrocket this summer in Hungary

The surge in ice cream prices primarily stems from the need to elevate both production costs and employee wages. Producers of raw materials such as butter, milk and chocolate have increased their prices, making the ice cream more expensive. Moreover, they are burdened with out-of-control utility bills and rental expenses.

Increased operational costs and more

Starting this month, the Bécsi Café in Győr will implement a price increase on its cakes and ice cream, driven primarily by increased operational costs and the intention to raise employee wages. Consequently, customers can expect a 10% increase in prices compared to last year, according to 24.hu.

Dóra Bint, owner of Bécsi Café in Győr, noted that while regular customers return, their frequency has decreased with most visiting only once a week and purchasing fewer scoops of ice cream. However, she remains optimistic about maintaining turnover and anticipates bustling streets this summer, ensuring better preparedness.

Similarly, Norbert Horváth, owner of Édes’N confectionery in Győr, shared plans for reopening, including special offers for children with ice cream gifts throughout the summer. The new owner of Édes’N, Kiara Domokos Pápainé, emphasised a continued focus on providing value for money, committing to keeping cake prices under HUF 1200 (EUR 3).

Ice cream season to start soon

Despite potential supplier price increases, they hope to avoid significant product price increases. Ice cream will be available for sale from 1 March, initially priced at last year’s rate of HUF 550 (EUR 1.42), which is expected to increase to HUF 600-650 (EUR 1.54-1.67) later on.

Antal Tukovics, a pastry chef from Mosonmagyaróvár, explained the necessity of price adjustments due to rising raw material costs, noting the challenge of maintaining competitive cake prices without risking customer loss. He also mentioned significant shifts in consumer habits since the onset of the pandemic leading to a substantial decrease in turnover.

Huge drop in consumers

The drop in consumers is between 60-70% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Consequently, despite increasing raw material prices, he cannot raise cake prices to compensate, resulting in a reduction in workshop operations and staff.

Nevertheless, this scenario extends beyond Győr, as shifts in consumer behaviour have also been observed in Budapest since the onset of the pandemic. It is anticipated that raw material prices in the capital will remain elevated, with ice cream prices potentially surpassing HUF 650 (EUR 1.67) in certain areas.

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