The HAZELNUT crisis could hit Ferrero Rocher chocolates this Christmas.
Lack of rain and insect problems in Turkey, where 70 percent of hazelnuts are grown, mean the crop is a quarter smaller than usual.
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Ferrero Rocher chocolates could drop or increase in price ahead of ChristmasCredit: Getty
And Ferrero, the manufacturer of foil-wrapped treats as well as Nutella chocolate spread, buys a quarter of all the world’s hazelnuts.
Experts warn that because of this, there could be fewer boxes of chocolate on the shelves or there could be a big price increase.
Hazelnut prices have already jumped 40 percent.
A trader from Turkey told Mintec analysts: “We went to talk to farmers and they all said that the harvest will be much smaller than last year.
We are seeing the effects of global warming, insect damage and, in particular, a lack of rainfall during the critical period of walnut development in May.”
Trade magazine The Grocer warned that the shortage “could become a problem for major hazelnut buyers” such as the Italian company Ferrero.
Ferrero Rocher became famous for its cute ads for the Ambassador’s party.
The original version ran from 1993 to 1999 and there have been several modifications since then.
It is not the first time that stock shortages of Christmas essentials have loomed large on the big day.
Around this time last year, Britons were warned to prepare for a “nightmare”.
Some of Britain’s biggest retailers have warned of shortages of gifts such as toys, bikes and electronics due to the global shipping crisis.
Chocolate lovers have been warned they may not be able to get to the Quality Street tubs.
Meanwhile, M&S said frozen Christmas food sales were up 500% as shoppers rushed to the shelves to stock up on their Christmas essentials early.
However, apart from Ferrero Rocher, we have not yet heard of any other Christmas shortages.
Most major supermarkets have now released Christmas delivery dates for customers.
Although many have launched Christmas savings schemes to help shoppers budget for the big day.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education