Even Halloween hasn't escaped the cost-of-living crisis, as
British families face an estimated extra £10 million bill for
pumpkins, carving up family budgets, with prices rising by a
fifth since 2021.
New analysis by the Liberal Democrats has revealed the scary
extent of "Pumpkinflation," with the cost of a pumpkin soaring by
an average of 22% across major UK supermarkets over the last five
years.
With Brits buying an estimated 24 million pumpkins this
Halloween, the total national cost is projected to reach £55
million in 2026.
The data compared prices across eight major supermarket chains
and found the average price of a pumpkin has risen from £1.87 to
£2.29. Some supermarkets have seen price hikes of over 30%, with
one discount retailer showing a hair-raising 76.8% increase for a
pumpkin. Only one supermarket, Morrisons, showed a price
decrease.
The Liberal Democrats have warned that people are becoming priced
out of enjoying events like Halloween, in part due to the
Trumpflation' caused by the US President's illegal war in Iran,
which has sent the cost of everything from food to fuel
skyrocketing.
The Party has demanded the Government get a grip on the cost of a
supermarket shop, which is eating into household budgets. They
have called for a Good Food Bill, setting long term targets for
food security, production and affordability, which could give
farmers the certainty they need to invest while protecting
families from future price shocks.
Liberal Democrat Investment and Trade Spokesperson Josh
Reynolds MP said:
This Halloween horror show is a stark reminder that the cost of
living crisis is far from over. Families who are already
stretching their budgets to pay for essentials are now being
squeezed just trying to have some simple family fun for
Halloween.
It is not fair that families in Britain are being priced out of
enjoying a simple tradition with Trumpflation pushing up the cost
of food and fuel and the Government's failure to tackle the cost
of living.
The Government needs to wake up to the reality facing households.
We need real action to tackle the root causes of this cost of
living crisis and never ending inflation. Families deserve a
treat from this Government, not more tricks.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Data Source: Price
comparison data compiled by the Liberal Democrats, comparing
prices of pumpkins across eight major UK supermarkets (Tesco,
Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Co-op, and Morrisons)
between October 2021 and October 2026. The same pumpkin size was
compared at each retailer in both years: large (Tesco, Waitrose,
Lidl, Morrisons), extra large (Aldi, Asda) and carving pumpkin
(Sainsbury's, Co-op).
The average price across the eight rose from £1.87 to £2.29
(£0.42, or about 22.3%).
Total spend estimates were calculated by combining industry
figures showing 24 million pumpkins are purchased annually
(Retail Times) with price
comparison data compiled by the Liberal Democrats.
The estimate is indicative and assumes the same number of
pumpkins purchased in both years.
2021: 24m × £1.87 = £44.88m
2026: 24m × £2.29 = £54.96m
Total Increase: £10.08m
