Chinese New Year is one of the biggest festive seasons in Singapore, and with it comes a surge in demand for pineapple tarts, love letters, cookies, crackers, and premium goodie gift sets. But in recent years, shoppers have noticed something else rising along with demand, prices.
From higher ingredient costs to labour shortages and global supply chain pressures, inflation has quietly shaped the cost of CNY goodies across Singapore. Whether you’re buying treats for your family, gifting to clients, or preparing multiple hampers, it helps to understand why prices increase and what you can do to save smartly without compromising on quality.
This guide breaks down how inflation affects CNY goodie pricing — and how you can still enjoy high-quality festive treats while keeping your budget in check.
1. Rising Ingredient Costs Dominate the Price Increase
One of the biggest factors driving higher CNY goodie prices is the rising cost of raw ingredients.
Key baking ingredients have all experienced price increases globally:
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Butter
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Sugar
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Eggs
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Milk powder
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Wheat flour
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Fresh pineapples
For products like pineapple tarts, the most popular CNY treat, the cost of producing handcrafted jam has increased significantly. Premium bakeries such as Bread Garden continue using real pineapples and authentic, slow-cooked fillings in items like their Premium Pineapple Tart, which means the cost must reflect ingredient quality.
When the raw ingredients cost more, the final product inevitably becomes pricier. This impact is even stronger for bakeries that refuse to cut corners or use artificial substitutes.
2. Labour and Production Costs Have Increased Across Singapore
Singapore’s labour market has tightened over the years, leading to higher wages and increased pressure on production teams during peak CNY season.
CNY goodies are extremely labour-intensive:
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Hand-rolling pineapple tarts
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Layering love letters
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Preparing small-batch cookies
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Assembling festive hampers
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Crafting customised gift boxes
Premium bakeries that prioritise fresh, small-batch bakes — such as those seen in sets like Fortune Bag A — require skilled manpower to maintain quality. Labour inflation directly contributes to production costs.
3. Packaging and Logistics Costs Are Much Higher Now
CNY goodies must be packed in airtight, moisture-controlled containers to protect freshness, especially in Singapore’s humidity. Packaging itself has seen rising costs due to:
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Higher plastic and material prices
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Increased shipping costs for imported jars
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Custom prints for premium gift sets
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Additional safety and hygiene requirements
Gift sets such as the Gold Bar Gift Box A require both sturdy materials and careful assembly — both of which are more expensive compared to past years.
Logistics inflation also affects delivery fees, warehouse handling, and festive-season outbound transport. All these contribute to slightly higher CNY goodie prices islandwide.
4. Seasonal Demand Intensifies the Impact
CNY is a once-a-year demand spike, which means:
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Bakeries operate at maximum capacity
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Ingredient consumption is at its yearly peak
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Last-minute orders surge
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Storage requirements increase
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Production teams work extended hours
With inflation, these seasonal pressures intensify. The closer you are to Chinese New Year, the more likely prices will reflect demand stress.
Buying early — ideally 3–6 weeks before CNY — helps lock in better prices.
5. Premium Brands Maintain Quality Instead of Cutting Costs
Not all CNY goodies are made the same. Some brands lower costs by:
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Switching to margarine instead of butter
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Using artificial pineapple paste
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Mass-producing weeks in advance
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Using cheaper packaging
Premium bakeries like Bread Garden take the opposite approach. Their CNY items, including the CNY Chinese New Year Goodies collection, continue to use:
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Real, high-grade ingredients
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Handmade preparations
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Frequent small-batch baking
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Airtight jars and gift-ready packaging
This means their prices reflect quality rather than shortcuts — while still staying reasonable compared to other premium brands.
How to Save on CNY Goodies Without Compromising Quality
Even with inflation, you can still enjoy premium goodies without overspending. Here’s h
1. Buy Early Before Peak Pricing
Prices often increase closer to CNY due to intense demand and limited stock. Early-bird purchases help you:
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Enjoy lower prices
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Get the freshest batches
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Avoid rush-hour delivery fees
Many bakeries run early-bird promotions, so buying in December or very early January helps you save instantly.
2. Buy Direct From Official Stores
Third-party resellers sometimes mark up prices — especially during last-minute shopping periods.
Ordering directly from trusted brands (e.g., Bread Garden’s official website) ensures:
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Fresh stock
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Correct pricing
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No reseller mark-ups
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Better delivery quality
Check out the full festive selection here: Bread Garden CNY Goodies
3. Choose Value Gift Sets Instead of Individual Items
Gift sets offer better per-item value compared to buying jars individually. For example, curated bundles like:
provide multiple treats at a bundled price, lowering your overall cost per jar.
4. Look for Bakeries That Bake Freshly — Not Mass-Produce
Freshly baked treats last longer, taste better, and retain their value. When you buy high-quality items, you naturally reduce waste and avoid purchasing replacements later.
Small-batch bakeries help you:
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Avoid stale or storage-aged products
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Reduce the chances of flavour loss
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Get better value for the same price
5. Stick to High-Quality Brands to Avoid “False Savings”
Cheap CNY goodies often cost more in the long run because:
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They spoil faster
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They taste inferior
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Guests may not enjoy them
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You may need to top up with more purchases
Choosing a trusted brand ensures consistency, quality, and satisfaction — making every dollar worthwhile.
Final Takeaway
Inflation has certainly influenced the cost of CNY goodies in Singapore, but understanding why prices increase helps you make smarter choices. By buying early, choosing trustworthy bakeries, selecting value gift sets, and focusing on freshness, you can still enjoy premium festive treats without overspending.
For fresh, handcrafted goodies made with real ingredients, explore the full Bread Garden CNY Chinese New Year Goodies collection.