Easter eggs come at a higher cost this year following a surge in the cost of sugar right around the world

A surge in the cost of sugar right around the world is being blamed for a rise in the price of chocolate eggs and hot cross buns as the Easter weekend approaches.

Figures from global food markets show the main ingredients of the festive treats – butter, eggs, cocoa and sugar – have surged, with sugar at a six-year high.

The British Retail Consortium says consumers will be left with a “sour taste” if they expect chocolate Easter bunnies to be available at discount prices.

Annual food inflation overall hit a record 15 per cent in March.

Thankfully, the sugar price spike is likely to be temporary.

It follows a bumper harvest on Brazilian sugar plantations in recent months.

Helen Dickinson is the chief executive of the BRC and says shop prices are likely to continue rising for a few months before they peak.

“As Easter approaches, the rising cost of sugar coupled with high manufacturing costs left some customers with a sour taste, as price rises for chocolate, sweets and fizzy drinks increased in March.”

“Fruit and vegetable prices also rose as poor harvests in Europe and north Africa worsened availability, and imports became more expensive due to the weakening pound.” #trending #featured