Bread prices are climbing in Korea as major bakery chains raise prices on dozens of products, adding to consumer complaints about so-called breadflation. Paris Baguette, Tous les Jours, Dunkin and SPC Samlip all announced or carried out increases. Industry officials blame higher ingredient costs, while a new FTC flour cartel penalty is drawing fresh attention to why bakery prices have risen.
An employee displays bread at a bakery in Seoul, July 7. Yonhap
"I went to a bakery in Jongno District last weekend, and two pieces of bread and two cups of coffee cost more than 20,000 won ($14)," said Yang, a college student in her 20s.
"These days, it feels like I often end up spending more on dessert than on a meal when I hang out with my friends," she said.
For many Korean consumers, bread is no longer a cheap snack, as major bakery chains roll out a fresh wave of price hikes.
