Germany produces 239 million chocolate Easter bunnies, despite supply chain shortages

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German Easter chocolate bunnies are proving popular with consumers this year. Pic: ISM

The German confectionery industry expects to produce 239 million chocolate Easter bunnies this year - despite difficulties in procuring packaging materials, which have been aggravated by the war in Ukraine.

The Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI) said manufacturers have managed to fulfil all their Easter products ordered at home and abroad for the holiday weekend – but it warned of potential future supply chain problems.

Easter bunnies are a German classic and remain the most popular chocolates, along with chocolate eggs, in its domestic market. 

Half of the chocolate bunnies, approximately 119 million pieces (49.6%), stay at home, with the rest exported to  European partner countries, along with the USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa.

Russian gas

AS CN reported, the BDSI said the industry is currently in the most difficult situation since the Federal Republic came into existence. The cost of energy, almost all agricultural commodities, packaging and transportation has ‘exploded’ since the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

These burdens are unique in this form and affect companies across the board and in some cases to an extent that threatens their very existence,” it said.

German businesses are reportedly making contingency plans if the government places an embargo on Russian gas.

The country receives approximately 50bn cubic metres a year or 55% of its gas from Russia, the largest by volume of any EU country, and by extension, the biggest share of any large European economy.