Christmas trees in the retail trade will be more expensive this year
Published: Wednesday, Nov 29th 2023, 11:20
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The prices for Christmas trees will rise at most wholesalers this year. However, if you buy your tree directly from the forester or the municipality, you can expect prices to remain stable.
"Overall, there is very little movement in market prices in Switzerland," said Benno Schmid, Head of Communications and Policy at the Swiss Forestry Association. He is referring primarily to the price development of Swiss producers, who often sell their trees directly to customers.
In his opinion, the prices of Christmas trees from the forester or the municipality should remain relatively stable compared to previous years. The market is also comparatively sluggish due to the long growth cycles of the trees.
Rising retail prices
A survey conducted by the news agency AWP revealed a mixed picture in terms of pricing among the major retailers. The price expectations of the Migros cooperatives vary greatly depending on the region. For example, trees could become more expensive in some regions. In other regions, however, prices could remain the same or even fall. This is due to the fact that the trees are usually purchased in the immediate vicinity of the respective cooperative.
The prices for Christmas trees at Coop and Jumbo will increase by a single-digit percentage this year. According to the companies, there will be differences depending on the size of the tree. The price adjustments are mainly due to higher raw material and energy costs. However, this is the first price increase in six years.
Trees will also be slightly more expensive at Landi. According to a spokesperson, the increase is in the "low single-digit percentage range". The main reason for this is the persistently high inflation in Europe.
Nordmann fir is the most popular
The Nordmann fir is still the first choice for Christmas trees in many Swiss households, continued Schmid from WaldSchweiz. The Norway spruce comes a distant second. The Nordmann fir has numerous advantages. For example, it lasts much longer and it also needsles much less during transportation.
The trend towards Nordmann fir is also reinforced by the fact that Christmas trees are being bought and put up earlier and earlier. Many consumers are already buying their trees for the holidays at the beginning of December. According to Schmid, it is also not a problem to put up the Christmas tree so early. With regular watering, the Nordmann fir will last into the new year without any problems.
Wholesalers have also adapted to this trend and are increasingly focusing on Nordmann fir. Aldi Switzerland and Landi, for example, only stock this type of tree. Nordmann fir also dominates the range at Migros. Norway spruce, silver fir and Nobilis fir account for smaller shares. Coop and Jumbo also sell a large majority of Nordmann firs.
Humid fall should keep trees fresh
According to Schmid, the trees have survived the last two comparatively dry and hot summers well. As the roots are relatively deep, the damage was limited and individual failures could be replaced.
Autumn is much more important for the trees than summer, Schmid continued. "When the trees are felled, it should preferably not be dry. Otherwise the trees suffer from drought stress, which in turn has a negative impact on quality." Due to the rather humid late fall, things look good in this respect. The trees should therefore stay fresh for longer.
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