Analysis: Price of Scoop of Ice Cream Up by More Than 400 percent in Past Decade

Bratislava, 16 August (TASR) - The price of a scoop of ice cream in Slovakia has risen by more than 400 percent over the past ten years, i.e. by four to six times, even though the price of packaged ice cream has increased only by 39 percent, according to an analysis elaborated by the Finax website based on Eurostat data. One of the reasons is the significant rise in salaries, with overall inflation over the same period reaching 55 percent and salaries going up by as much as 228 percent. The rapid rise in prices was mainly driven by increases in input costs, such as ingredients, energy, rent and, above all, salaries. As labour makes up the largest share of the cost per serving, this increase has been directly reflected in the end price of a scoop of ice cream. Among the ingredients, the price of milk has risen by 78 percent, sugar by 56 percent, chocolate by 45 percent and fruit by 41 percent. In 2016, a scoop of ice cream cost some 40–60 cents, while in 2026 the price ranges from €1.50 to €3, and it's even higher in the centres of large cities. That's an increase of some 375 percent, which equates to a growth rate of 17 percent per year. "The rise in the price of ice cream has significantly outpaced the growth in salaries. While ten years ago you could have two scoops for the same amount of time spent at work, today you can afford just one. So, we have to work much longer today to afford the same portion of this summer treat," stated Finax economist Patrik Kindl. ko/df