That’s nuts! Nutella puts up price

THE makers of Nutella were at the centre of a ‘shrinkflation’ row last night after putting up the price of the chocolate spread even though the cost of hazelnuts has slumped.

It is the second controversy to hit the brand this month after a recipe change led to complaints.

Parent company Ferrero said it had put the price up to cover increased costs elsewhere which affect all its brands – not just Nutella.

Morrisons became the last of the ‘Big Four’ supermarket chains to increase the price, raising it by 22p to take the cost of a 1kg jar to £5.20. According to trade journal The Grocer, hazelnuts were trading on the international market at £7.50 to £7.70 a kilo a year ago, but better harvests mean they are now trading for £4.90.

Ferrero told The Grocer it was facing ‘a variety of pressures’ across its portfolio, adding: ‘ We are addressing these challenges with our retail partners.’

Last week, consumer watchdogs in Germany claimed the new recipe was higher in sugar, which Nutella denies.