Love is in the air but saying it with chocolates, flowers a pricey affair
Times of India | 14 February 2025
123 Kolkata: Lovebirds in Kolkata will have to dig deeper into their pockets this Valentine's Day while gifting flowers or sweet treats to their loved ones, as these romantic gestures are set to cost more. The prices of chocolates and flowers, the two romantic staples, have soared this Valentine's Day due to a number of reasons ranging from weather conditions to supply chain disruptions.
Whether it is a box of assorted chocolates or a bouquet of roses, be prepared to shell out anything between 20% to 25% more.
The cost of roses, most in demand on Valentine's Day, has shot up due to climatic conditions and supply chain disruptions. "The price has gone up by almost 20% this year," says Shreyansh Jain, owner of a flowers store on Wood Street.
"Weather conditions and disruption in the supply chain have led to the rise in the price of several varieties of flowers. The increased demand during this time of the year has also made flowers dearer. This Valentine's Day, the prices are up by almost 20 to 25%."
Many of the flowers being sold have been brought from the southern states. "Lilies cost Rs 250 per stick, while sunflowers are priced at Rs 300–Rs 350 per piece. Tulips and cymbidium orchids are priced between Rs 300 and Rs 450 per piece," Jain adds.
Mullickghat Flower Market, the state's biggest flower market, is also feeling the price pinch. "Transportation costs have increased, and with fewer fresh flowers available, prices have risen," said Ramesh Dutta, a wholesaler.
The price of several varieties of chocolates has also gone up in the past few months owing to the rise in the price of cocoa, one of the main raw ingredients. The surge has been anything between 15% and 25% depending on the size and the chocolate content.
"The price of various varieties of chocolates has gone up in the past few months due to the rise in the price of cocoa. The price of other ingredients has also gone up," said Gagan Bagri, owner of shops in a south Kolkata mall and Kankurgachhi. His shops sell an assortment of imported chocolates, dry fruits and mouth fresheners.
Even a coffee date on Valentine's Day is set to cost more as coffee prices too have gone up in the past few months. "We have been forced to increase the price of various varieties of coffee by almost 15% to 20% due to the rise in the price of cocoa in the international market," said the owner of a popular cafe in Bhowanipore. Despite the price pinch, romance has not taken a backseat.
Couples are willing to shell out extra to make lasting memories.