Bakers and pastry chefs in Pune are facing an expensive festive season due to a sharp rise in butter prices. Over the past five years, butter prices have surged from Rs 150 to Rs 270 per half kg, with other essential ingredients like eggs, ghee, oil, and cocoa also becoming costlier. As a result, bakers have increased prices by 5-8% for many of their products.
Consumers, however, are feeling the pinch. Many have reduced the quantity of bakery items they purchase due to the high prices. Others, like Melany Sawla, a resident of Pashan, plan to send smaller Christmas hampers this year, as the increased costs have made it harder to stick to their usual budgets.
The price hikes have been particularly hard on the bakery sector, with butter accounting for 30-35% of the cost of certain products. “We have been absorbing price increases, but it’s difficult because customers react negatively to price hikes during the festive season,” said Salamat Irani, who runs City Bakery.
Home bakers are also struggling with the price surge, with many raising their prices by Rs 50-80 due to higher ingredient costs. The festive season, which typically sees a surge in demand, has become more challenging for both professional and home bakers.
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