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Galette des rois: the reasons for its high cost
Galette des rois: the reasons for its high cost – (France 2)
If it is a great success among the French, the galette des rois can be expensive, up to 50 euros. Prices which can be explained by the cost of raw materials, the importation of almonds, but also by the margin taken by bakeries.
Very popular with the French, the galette des rois costs on average from 7 to more than 50 euros. In a family near Montpellier (Hérault), it will be entirely homemade. “It’s a pride to do it yourself,” explains the father, who also mentions the high cost. “Compared to a bakery cake, I think we can divide the price by two.” For 6 portions, the average cost of this pancake is 7 euros. Others, conversely, prefer to rely on bakeries, despite the price.
A high margin on cakes?
In a bakery, for the same number of slices, the price rises to 24 euros. To the 4.60 euros of raw materials are added the bakers’ payroll, electricity and even the bean. The margin amounts to 2.50 euros. “To make a cake, there will be three teams mobilized”, explains Philippe Arsac, from the Lorette bakery. On the other hand, he regrets having to import the almond from California (United States). The French almond, rare and expensive, is almost a luxury product. For Frédéric Adida, pastry marketing advisor, bakeries “binge a little on the pancake, but not much on other products”.
