Thousands of people flock to the country’s Christmas markets these days. Looking for gifts for loved ones, eat a raclette – and drink a mulled wine or two in good company. It warms and gives a cozy Christmas feel – and it’ll make a big hole in your wallet this year!
Because mulled wine prices have increased a lot this year. Two years ago the average trophy was CHF 5.50. According to the newspaper “The Bund”, a cup in Bern today costs a whopping 6.90 francs. As Bernese angrily complained, these are “Zurich prices”. Because even in Limmat at Christmas markets, two deciliter alcohol warmers cost 6.90 francs.
More expensive electricity and transportation costs
According to Bern, costs increased by 15 percent. “That’s why we increased the price of mulled wine,” says a stall operator from the newspaper. Consumers spend around six percent. With an even smaller margin for booth operators and, in turn, higher booth rents, vendors are upping the stakes.
The operator of the Bernese winter bar also increased the price of mulled wine by 50 cents. Now over-the-counter for CHF 5.50. A massive ten percent premium. “Everything has gotten more expensive, especially electricity and transportation,” he tells The Bund.
33 percent more expensive
The price hikes are even greater in Germany, a popular destination for Swiss fans of the Christmas markets. A cup of mulled wine in Freiburg costs 4 euros, which is 33 percent more than last year. 4 euros (plus 14 percent) in Stuttgart. And in Berlin it’s 4.50 euros (plus 29 percent). (be)