Australians to spend $1.7bn on hot cross buns and other Easter food this year

Australians are poised to spend almost $1.7 billion on hot cross buns, Easter eggs or other special Easter food this year, up more than $200 million from 2022 despite continuing cost-of-living pressure.

Shoppers in NSW will be the biggest spending group for Easter food and chocolates, at almost $515 million and an average spend of $108 per person. Victorians are slightly less enthusiastic, as they set to spend $455 million, at an average of $97 per head.

The figures were from a study conducted by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) in collaboration with Roy Morgan.

They confirm that Easter remains a crucial date on the retail calendar, as 16.3 million (75%) of Australians said they plan to indulge themselves with chocolates and hot cross buns (up 1.8 million from a year ago).

Meanwhile, 7.9 million (37%) Australians will have a boozy celebration with alcohol this year.

ARA CEO Paul Zahra said Australians are still using retail therapy in challenging times.

“For many Australians, Easter is the last break before winter sets in, and a respite from an intense start to the year. Whilst shoppers are already beginning to tighten their purse strings, these special occasions are a welcome time of indulgence.”

He said there is a natural pattern of growth in spending: “We’re seeing an increase of more than 14% on Easter food spending compared to last year, which does outstrip inflationary gains.”