Budapest Shoppers Face Higher Prices for Christmas Trees, Hungarians Seek Alternatives

Published: December 05 2023

With the holiday season approaching, Budapest shoppers are facing higher prices for Christmas trees. Many Hungarians are seeking alternatives to save money and protect the environment. In this article, we will explore the changing trends in Christmas tree shopping and the factors influencing consumer choices.

According to a survey conducted by Agroinform, 52 percent of shoppers plan to spend at least HUF 7,000 on Christmas trees, while 23 percent are willing to spend more than HUF 10,000. In response to increased prices, 29 percent of respondents plan to buy slightly smaller pine trees, and 11 percent are considering cheaper species. On the other hand, 21 percent believe they can find pine trees of the usual size and species at a lower price by being more diligent in their search.

The preferred Christmas tree variety among shoppers is the Nordmann fir, chosen by 45 percent of respondents. This variety is known for its durability but comes at a higher price. Spruce is the second most popular choice with 37 percent, followed by silver fir with 13 percent.

44 percent of shoppers plan to buy a pine tree over one and a half meters, while 56 percent prefer trees less than one meter in height. Additionally, there is increasing interest in rooted pines with a root ball. When it comes to environmental concerns, 40 percent of respondents cited environmental protection as the reason for their choice, while 30 percent mentioned the advantage of reusability and 22 percent emphasized durability and cleanliness.

In Hungary, between 6-700 family farms cultivate 3,000 to 3,500 hectares of pine trees, covering approximately three quarters of the domestic demand. In terms of sustainability, choosing a cut pine tree appears to be the better option. Researchers from the Climate Policy Institute state that live pine trees improve the biosphere, absorb carbon dioxide, and can be recycled. In contrast, artificial pine trees, typically produced in the Far East, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and the release of harmful substances.

As Budapest shoppers face higher prices for Christmas trees, they are adapting their preferences and seeking alternatives. Smaller trees and cheaper species are being considered to save money. The Nordmann fir remains the most popular variety, but environmental considerations are influencing consumer choices. By supporting domestic production and choosing cut pine trees, shoppers can contribute to sustainability during the holiday season.

=== How much do shoppers in Budapest plan to spend on Christmas trees? Based on Agroinform's information, 52 percent of shoppers plan to spend at least HUF 7,000 (EUR 18.4) on Christmas trees, with 23 percent of them planning to spend more than HUF 10,000 (EUR 26.4).

Are the prices of Christmas trees expected to be higher or lower in Budapest this year? With demand expected to be lower, markets in Budapest are generally introducing price increases of around 5 percent.

What are the popular species of Christmas trees in Budapest? 45 percent of shoppers in Budapest prefer Nordmann fir, followed by spruce with 37 percent, and silver fir with 13 percent.

What are some alternatives to buying larger pine trees in Budapest? 29 percent of respondents in Budapest plan to buy slightly smaller pine trees this year. Another 11 percent plan to buy cheaper species, while 21 percent are confident that they can find pine trees of the usual size and species at a lower price by looking more carefully.

What are the reasons cited by shoppers in Budapest for choosing cut pine trees over fake ones? 40 percent of respondents in Budapest cited environmental protection, 30 percent mentioned the price advantage of reusability, while 22 percent cited durability and cleanliness due to the lack of falling needles.

How many family farms in Hungary grow pine trees? According to Agroinform, between 6-700 family farms in Hungary today grow between 3,000 and 3,500 hectares of pine trees, with the volume produced covering around three-quarters of domestic demand.

Should one choose a fake or cut fir tree from an environmental perspective in Budapest? If someone is concerned about the environment in Budapest, it is best to go for a cut pine tree, even if, at first glance, fake pine may seem environmentally friendly. Cut pine trees are planted and nurtured for many years, improve the biosphere when used for gardening or in pine nurseries, and have a lower impact on the climate compared to artificial trees.

How much greenhouse gas and pollutants do artificial pine trees produce in contrast to living pine trees in Budapest? During its production and transport, artificial pine releases as much greenhouse gas and pollutants as a living pine tree releases in 50 years.