With Carnival season in full swing, sweet-toothed Italians are facing sticker shock at the prices of their favorite festive treats. A recent survey conducted by the consumer association Altroconsumo has revealed rising costs for traditional Carnival confections, causing many to rethink their dessert splurges.
According to the survey, which gathered insights from over 800 participants and examined prices across 49 shops—including bakeries and supermarkets—in both Rome and Milan, the average cost for chiacchiere and tortelli has climbed sharply. Specifically, chiacchiere are currently priced at approximately €28.8 per kilogram, representing a 5% increase from last year. Meanwhile, tortelli, those cream-filled delights, have surged by 7% to €30.2 per kilogram.
Almost everyone surveyed (over 90%) expressed intentions to indulge in chiacchiere, the quintessential Carnival sweet, with more than one-third opting for tortelli. Half of the respondents indicated they would be enjoying homemade versions, balancing out those who planned to buy from stores. While affordability plays a key role, quality perceptions also came to light as nearly 75% of respondents felt store-bought versions were inferior to homemade treats or those from traditional bakeries.
For those seeking savings, supermarkets proved to be the most economical choice. At these retailers, chiacchiere could be purchased for around €9 per kilogram, which is significantly less compared to bakeries (€28.7/kg) and patisseries where they soar to nearly €37.8/kg. For tortelli, prices ranged from €16/kg at supermarkets to as high as €35/kg at some patisseries. The price variability across the same type of outlet was notable—while supermarkets offered chiacchiere at prices between €6 and €12.8/kg, panaderies charged from €13 to а staggering €55/kg.
This year, the sweet secrets of Carnival have ignited social media flames, especially with the controversial pricing of luxury chiacchiere from renowned pastry chef Iginio Massari, priced at €100 per kilogram. Such high-end offerings sparked outrage and heated debate about the pricing of traditional foods.
Andrea Tortora, notable pastry chef, defended the upscale marketing strategy, pointing out, “If Massari sells them for €100, why not? The market dictates the price. If there are buyers, let him charge accordingly.” On the other end of the spectrum, Roscioli, another well-respected member of the Italian baking community, emphasized the need for traditional sweets to remain accessible for all. He noted his pastries priced between €35 and €40 per kilogram, advocating for quality over ostentation.
Across the board, there appears to be consensus on maintaining the communal spirit associated with Carnival treats. Tortora commented on the pressures from social media, where unique and photogenic food has become coveted. “It’s the photo or story; the brand must shine on social,” he remarked.
The economic backdrop of this pricing discussion cannot be ignored, with inflation greatly affecting the buying power of consumers. According to Istat, food prices increased sharply last year. Now both consumers and retailers must navigate these shifting prices amid broader economic challenges. “The most vulnerable families have lost the ability to buy due to rising prices across basic categories,” said Gabriele Melluso, president of Assoutenti, advocating for government intervention to safeguard purchasing power.
The Altroconsumo report shed additional light on consumer spending habits, indicating approximately 50% of respondents expected to spend between €10 and €30 per kilogram. Meanwhile, over 40% anticipated less than €10, and 9% indicated they would be willing to spend over €30.
Above all, festive periods like Carnival are representative of cultural practices intertwined with economics. The prices of beloved sweets not only reflect the costs of ingredients but also the changing dynamics of consumer demand. Economic pressures have prompted consumers to become more selective, balancing treat enjoyment with financial prudence.
Consequently, the debate over the future of Carnival sweets seems poised to continue, as traditions, pricing, and perceptions collide. Sweet dreams may come at unexpected costs this Carnival season, compelling many to weigh their options carefully.