At carnival every joke is worth, but to what extent? The question exploded, on social networks and beyond, after Maestro Iginio Massari presented his chatter at 100 euros per kilo. But the “gold chatter” are not enough to explain a turnover of 800 million euros for the Carnival sweets of this year. Increases and dear chatter, but also confetti and accessories have spread.
The master had presented his “gold chatter” in a video on Instagram in unsuspected times (in early February) saying “it will be a carnival that you will never forget!”. Successful mission. His creations ended up at the center of a social storm and beyond. For days there has been talk of the most instagrammable chatter in the world and the luxury of being able to buy them at 100 euros per kilogram. Contrast scandal and fans. “They are not dear, but expensive,” Massari’s controversy closed.
But beyond the most talked about chatter of the year, the fact is that the typical carnival dessert this year is raised, like everything. In fact, the turnover of the sector has exceeded 800 million euros, with an increase of over a third in the last four years (CNA data). Prices? On average 20 euros per kilo, with peaks of up to 50/60 euros. An investigation by Altroconsumo found that in the pastry shops of Rome and Milan the average price is 28.80 euros per kilo, an increase ranging from 5 to 7% compared to 2024. In supermarkets, however, carnival sweets are more accessible: range from 6.36 to 12.76 euros per kilo. Prices increasing not only for inflation, but also for the increase in the costs of raw materials, from flour to sugar to oil for frying.
And it was not just the desserts that increase this year. According to Federconsumatori, the prices of accessories and costumes recorded average increases by 5%, with tips of 9% for some disguises. The average cost of a costume is this year of almost sixty euros for adults and 54 euros for children. The rental of the locations for private holidays also increased by 8%, with an average cost of 290 euros.
And then there is the Tourism Chapter. The turnover linked to Carnevaleschi events exceeded 450 million euros (CNA data), with over 1.2 million overnight stays recorded in Italian accommodation facilities, according to solosa estimates.
The Italians, therefore, do not give up travel, desserts, parties and disguises. And with Grasso Tuesday (and the fat Saturday of the Ambrosian Carnival in Milan) the controversy on the chatter for 100 euros per kilo will also be put in the drawer. As happened at Christmas, with the Golden Panettone (120 euros per kilo) of Maestro Massari, who however had no fiery the spirits. What will be the next storm? They already wand on photos of doves on the Instagram pages of large pastry chefs … Stay Tuned.
