With 40% of UK shoppers intending to spend more on Easter this year, consumers are tipped to spend an estimated £2.3billion around the event, according to the latest predictions from GlobalData.

GlobalData’s latest UK Easter Intentions report reveals that Easter remains an important event for shoppers, with consumers planning to spend an average of £124.75 this year, a rise of £12.35 compared to last year.

Food & drink and gifting are expected to dominate spending, accounting for over 70% of shoppers’ Easter budgets, while purchases of luxury Easter eggs are expected to boost gifting sales, with 46% planning to buy these items this year. The prospect of a warmer Easter, with the event landing three weeks later than in 2024, was also expected to help drive ambient sales.

“The later date of Easter this year presents an extended opportunity for retailers to build momentum for the occasion,” Aliyah Siddika, Associate Retail Analyst at GlobalData, commented. “To keep shoppers engaged, retailers should reserve limited-time discounts and bundle deals for the week of Easter. Hosting Easter-themed events, such as in-store egg hunts, crafting workshops or cooking demonstrations closer to the occasion will also help to attract families and encourage impulse purchases.”

However, in separate analysis, Kantar warned that consumers faced paying more for Easter this year, after steep rises in the price of Easter essentials, including chocolate, lamb and hot cross buns.

Speaking to The Guardian, it said prices of lamb and chocolate were up by +16%, with chocolate seeing a significant spike after poor harvests in west Africa, where more than half of the world’s cocoa beans are produced. It also suggested Easter baking ingredients, such as butter and eggs, had risen by almost +19% and +5% respectively.