Are you willing to pay almost R300 for 2kg Bakers Choice Assorted Biscuits?
Over the past week, many people have taken to social media to complain about the "ridiculous" price of the biscuit range.
Jimmy Moodley, a researcher and author from Phoenix, posted a video on TikTok, while he was at a supermarket that advertised the 2kg biscuits for R279. The video garnered more than 1 000 views.
This week, he told the POST: “This price increase is way too high. Last year at around this time, the biscuits were selling for around R220, so the R60 increase is a big jump. I've seen some stores even have them for R369, which is ridiculous. This drastic increase is unwarranted because oil and wheat prices have not increased that much.”
He added that these biscuits were a staple in most homes during the festive period.
“This box of biscuits is a must-have for South Africans during the festive season. You would see people going back to their homes on farms carrying these boxes in the taxi, and many employees waiting for their companies to give them these biscuits. It's a general must-have. They symbolise the spirit of the Christmas holiday, so it would be sad if people cannot afford them this year."
Moodley's advice is for customers to not rush to buy anything right now.
“It is still early, so that is why the prices are so high. If you buy them now, you will probably eat them and have to buy more closer to Christmas, or you could probably get two 2kg boxes for R369 as it gets closer to Christmas.”
Lorraine Naicker, a self-employed baker, from the Bluff, said: “As a baker, I know the cost of ingredients and I feel the escalation of the Bakers Choice Assorted Biscuits is ridiculous."
She added that the assortment of biscuits were a go-to, especially during the festive period.
“Each member in my family has their firm favourite. I enjoy the strawberry swirls and the chocolate-covered ginger biscuits. It’s hard to justify spending so much on a box when I have a family to feed. The costs can add up, especially for households on a tight budget.
"It is frustrating because we enjoy them, but I won’t spend so much on them. I would rather bake for my myself and my three children.”
Wendy Joseph, a registered nurse, from Westville, said: “It's a huge price hike for consumers. Five years ago, it was less than R100, so now it should be around R100."
Joseph, who is part of a family of five, added that the 2kg box was an annual buy.
“My family loves every special biscuit in the tray. I unfortunately will not be buying a box for the first time after 10 years."