As the Easter holiday approaches, many families in Russia are preparing to celebrate with the traditional kulich, a sweet bread that symbolizes the resurrection of Christ. This year, the price of kulich has risen significantly, reflecting broader economic trends.
In 2025, the average price of a 400-gram kulich is expected to be around 500 rubles, a notable increase compared to previous years. According to Petr Shcherbachenko, an associate professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, prices vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and region. For instance, Serpukhov Khleb offers a similar-sized kulich for just 170 rubles, while larger retail chains like Perekrestok and Spar can charge up to 500 rubles for a 550-gram product.
In Astrakhan, the kulich market is bustling as residents prepare for the holiday on April 20. Local stores report a wide array of options, catering to various tastes and budgets. At the popular Mikhailovsky store, a large kulich with raisins, weighing just over a kilogram, is priced at 540 rubles per kilogram. Sets of three and five kulichi are selling for an average of 600 to 650 rubles.
Another local favorite, the Kontrast Provans cafe, offers several types of kulichi. Their traditional kulich costs 125 rubles for a 150-gram serving and 255 rubles for a 350-gram version. They also sell a curd kulich for 350 rubles and a candied fruit kulich for 315 rubles. A nearly one-kilogram curd Easter cake is available for 700 rubles, beautifully packaged for the holiday.
Meanwhile, the Myasokombinat Astrakhansky stores provide even more affordable options, with prices starting at 113 rubles for a 210-gram kulich. The Zhara-Prozhar bakery offers kulichi in three sizes, priced at 259, 199, and 160 rubles, respectively, while premium options weigh 445 grams and cost 349 rubles. Easter muffins are also on sale for 119 rubles each.
For those looking for variety, the Bulkin cafe-bakery boasts the largest assortment of kulichi, with options including those filled with nuts, candied fruits, and more. Prices here range from 250 rubles for a medium-sized kulich to 450 rubles for a larger one. The Makovka cafe offers even smaller kulichi, starting at 100 rubles for a 75-gram cake, with prices climbing to 390 rubles for larger versions.
In upscale establishments like Mon Amour, the prices reflect the luxury of the offerings. Here, a 500-gram kulich costs 1400 rubles, while a kilogram version can reach 2600 rubles. Their Easter cakes are presented in exquisite packaging, making them ideal for gifts.
As for supermarkets, they stock a variety of kulichi from local and regional producers. Small kulichi can be found starting at around 45-50 rubles, with higher-end options reaching up to 250 rubles. Some stores even offer discounts of up to 20% on select items.
The Kemerovo region is also seeing a flurry of pre-holiday activity. Stores like Yarche have begun selling traditional kulichi with raisins for nearly 200 rubles for a 500-gram product. Egg prices in this region vary, with the cheapest category, C2, costing 89 rubles per dozen, while larger C0 eggs are priced at 114 rubles.
In the Pyaterochka chain, the cheapest kulich is a 200-gram option priced at 120 rubles, with larger cakes ranging from 190 to 305 rubles. Eggs are similarly priced, with C2 eggs costing 79 rubles per dozen and C0 eggs nearing 140 rubles.
According to a recent report, the overall food set for celebrating Easter has increased by about 10% this year. While eggs have become cheaper, the prices of milk and butter have risen, leading to a 6-7% increase in the cost of ingredients needed for a classic kulich. The traditional Easter set, which includes a kulich, a dozen eggs, dyes, and a curd Easter cake, now costs approximately 1100 rubles.
Restaurants are also getting in on the action, offering extravagant kulichi that can cost thousands of rubles. For example, the Leo restaurant features a kulich adorned with edible gold leaf and filled with chocolate and marinated orange candied fruits for 5000 rubles. In some cases, specialty items can reach astronomical prices, such as a kulich priced at 2.7 million rubles, which includes edible gold and precious stones.
As families gather to celebrate Easter, the tradition of baking or purchasing kulichi remains a cherished part of the holiday. Whether opting for a homemade version or a store-bought treat, the spirit of Easter is alive and well, with kulichi serving as a central symbol of joy and renewal.
