The chocolate Easter egg shortage of 2006

[Jamez]

Here in sunny Pembrokeshire today, Woolworths, Tesco, Asda and other shops had completely sold out of Easter eggs by 4pm today. Such was the panic-buying of eggs, the local radio station had a reporter "Live on the scene" at Tesco, and apparently the demand for Easter eggs this year has completely outstripped supply.

This seems to be the case in Cardiff and the surrounding areas, and in Newcastle where my mate is currently staying for a few days.

So what can the cause of this be? A nation of chocoholics gone beserk this Easter because of the warm and sunny spell we've had the past few days?

Have manufacturers cut the amount of eggs made this year because usually quite a few are left over and sold cheaply after easter?

I wanted to buy an egg for my mum tomorrow, but I had to get a box of Milk Tray instead!

[antony]

I received my Easter eggs yesterday, and still waiting for my bunnies.

[Pete]

There are none left in Somerfield in Kelso

[Chris]

Have manufacturers cut the amount of eggs made this year because usually quite a few are left over and sold cheaply after easter?

More to the point - why are they so eggspensive?

I swear you pay more for the bloody cardboard box, moulded plastic insert and foil wrapping than the chocolate itself.

[ashley b]

Hmmm, we too had a shortage here in Manchester, but that was on Friday afternoon. The selection in tesco was pathetic, only the really expensive ones or the damaged ones left. None of the Cadbury's or Natle sort or anything.

[Andrew]

Indeed, my local Tescos and Sainsburys and Woolworths had hardly any left on Thursday never mind Saturday.

Only kiddies ones or big £10 ones. Very strange.

I thought Easter Eggs may have been on their way out, what with kids prefering money and the whole 'obesity timebomb' business, obviously not?

[russnet]

I wonder what Jesus Christ would think to all this commercialism? Probably the same as Christmas

[marksi]

The shortage extended to Northern Ireland. The local Co-Op had 4 left on Thursday (though to be honest you're generally lucky to get basic provisions in it) and the Centra supermarket had only large Cadburys ones left yesterday.

[Square Eyes]

You should have all gone to Morrisons.

[James H]

You should have gone to Specsavers

[DVB Cornwall]

Similar shortage in Cornwall too. I was expecting reductions in price on Saturday rather than reduction in supply.