The Easter Bunny will need a bigger basket.
Americans are expected to spend a whopping $22 billion on Easter this year, with $3.1 billion of that annual harvest going to candy.
While 63% of us would be celebrating, according to WalletHub, retailers across the country still expect to clean up during the religious spring holiday, which falls on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
The cost comes to about $177 per observant American, according to the financial advice website.
This figure comes as retail prices of chocolate are reported to have increased by 11.6% in the United States, according to data published by CNN – this is due to the soaring cost of cocoa after West Africa, which is home to 70% of world production, has had difficulties with crop diseases and climatic problems.
In the United States, 91 million chocolate bunnies are sold, while 16 billion pieces of candy are consumed during the holidays.
The world’s most expensive chocolate Easter bunny is valued at $49,000. The Very First To company is behind the priceless rabbit, which went on sale in 2016.
The sweet and extravagant figure stood just 1 foot 3 inches tall and was incredibly designed with intricate details and realistic fur lines.
Seventy-five percent chocolate from Tanzania was used and her diamond “eyes” were valued at $35,400.
The famous Peeps marshmallows, made by a small company in Pennsylvania, are more affordable.
A must-have for every Easter, the squishy, bunny-shaped confection comes in eighteen flavors, including Cotton Candy, Sour Watermelon, Fruit Punch and Dr. Pepper.
More than 1.5 billion Peeps are consumed each year during the holidays.
And while $3.1 billion may seem like a lot to spend on candy, it’s still less than the $3.4 billion parents are expected to spend on gifts and other treats.
WalletHub also predicts that $3.5 billion will be spent on Easter finery, as Americans purchase new outfits to wear to church, family functions and public celebrations like the Easter parade and Bonnet festival. New York.
Pastels, florals, white and other bright colors are often popular choices, according to Business Insider.
Brunches and dinners account for a significant portion of annual spending: tables across the country are expected to be overflowing with ham, lamb, potatoes and vegetables, at a cost of $7.3 billion. Add to that another $45 million just for eggs, primarily for use as decorations.
Meanwhile, the White House’s famous Easter egg roll is said to cost the better part of a million dollars to organize each year.
The event costs $750,000 to organize and more than 30,000 people participate each year.
WalletHub reported that more than 80,000 souvenir wooden eggs are being made for the legendary Easter holiday as a presidential residence.
The party was first organized in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes. Guests take to the South Lawn of the White House to roll the hand-crafted eggs with a spoon to collect special prizes.
New York Post
