Andorran Bakeries Hold Easter Mona Prices Steady Despite Rising Cocoa and Almond Costs

Andorran bakeries are maintaining Easter mona prices at levels similar to last year, despite sharp rises in key ingredients like cocoa and almonds, as they absorb costs to sustain steady demand.

At Pastisseria Estopiñán, staff confirm prices match those of 2023, even though chocolate has become significantly more expensive. "It's better to hold back and not charge the full price, because then sales drop too," they explained, opting to shoulder part of the burden rather than risk reduced orders. Demand remains comparable to previous seasons, though more customers are booking in the final week before Easter. Chocolate eggs dominate, with custom designs featuring K-pop idols, the viral monkey from the social media video *Punch*, FC Barcelona motifs, Stitch, Mario Bros, or anime favourites like *Dragon Ball* and *One Piece* proving hits across ages. More elaborate artisanal items, such as detailed houses, see fewer takers due to higher labour and costs. Traditional monas persist in butter bases—plain, chocolate, or coffee-flavoured—filled with jam, cream, candied or fresh fruit, and decorated with eggs, chicks, rabbits, or figurines. Alexis Estopiñán highlighted chocolate's centrality: "It's the most childlike moment of the year, because we add so much colour."

Art i Pa follows suit, with unchanged prices and a range of vanilla, chocolate, or coffee butter monas with cream, plus chocolate figures and minor size-based adjustments. Sucre i Salat reports pricing akin to last year amid almond price surges, with tweaks only for larger formats; themed chocolate eggs lead sales.

Global trends shape preferences, blending sports icons like the MoraBanc Andorra crest and mascot Brut with Netflix's *Guerreres del K-pop*, classics such as Peppa Pig and Pikachu, and oversized eggs. Newer bakeries emphasise personalisation: at Dolça, Btissam Diliz noted monas are "much more visually worked and personalised," with clients selecting flavours, colours, and decorations in a fully handmade process involving preparation, assembly, finishing, and detailing—often requiring advance orders. Fleca Font sees strong loyalty from families, godparents, and neighbours, favouring classics like truffle and butter, alongside expanded options in cream, chocolate, or fruit. Youcakes by Estopiñán requires up to five days for bespoke pieces. Prices span €52-€70 for large monas and €15-€30 for smaller ones, while supermarkets offer giant Kinder-style eggs for tourists.

At De Lisi Ós, pieces can take three to four hours, with chocolate's delicacy risking breaks during unmoulding. This mix of stability, innovation, and tradition keeps Easter sales robust across Andorra's outlets.