Christmas, the peak season for the retail industry, is just a month away. Despite the era of high prices and lighter wallets, consumers never miss the perfect opportunity to indulge in a "small luxury." Cakes are the quintessential item for this trend. With demand for cakes soaring two to three times in December, bakeries like Paris Baguette, coffee brands like Starbucks, and hotel chains such as Shilla Hotel are engaged in fierce marketing competition.

This year, hotel chains are launching Christmas season cakes priced in the hundreds of thousands of won.

According to the retail industry on the 25th, the most expensive Christmas cake currently available is Shilla Hotel's "The Taste of Luxury Cake," priced at a staggering 400,000 won. This is a 100,000 won increase from last year's 300,000 won. The cake is layered with truffle cream, truffle slices, mille-feuille, chocolate ganache, and more. Each bite offers a fine dining course experience, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors together.

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The reason for the price increase is the upgraded ingredients. A Shilla Hotel representative explained, "We increased the amount of fresh black truffle by about 25% compared to last year to enhance the flavor, and used Ch?teau d'Yquem, known as the golden wine of France, to add a matured fruit aroma."

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The next most expensive cake is the "Wish Wheel" from Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. It is priced at 350,000 won, which is 100,000 won more than last year's most expensive cake at this hotel, "Merry-Go-Round" (250,000 won). This cake is meticulously crafted by chefs, and the Ferris wheel actually rotates, showcasing a high level of artistic completion. Hidden under the Ferris wheel is a box of chocolates, featuring five types: Dubai chocolate, yuzu ginger, stollen, vin chaud, and caf? caramel. A Parnas Hotel representative explained, "With the recent rise in ingredient prices and the delicate, labor-intensive process required for the Wish Wheel, the price has increased."

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However, only a select few consumers can get their hands on these ultra-premium hotel cakes, as they are not only expensive but also limited to a few dozen units. To cater to consumers who are left wanting, coffee brands are competitively launching premium cakes. While less expensive than hotel cakes, these brands are collaborating with luxury partners to introduce "premium-branded cakes."

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For example, Starbucks' "Josun Deli Noel Tree Cake" sold out quickly. Released for pre-order at 12:10 a.m. on the 25th, it sold out in just 13 minutes. The price was 89,000 won, the highest ever for a Starbucks Christmas cake. Despite the high price, it sold out before the scheduled closing date of the 27th. The secret to its popularity lies in its collaboration with Josun Hotel. Shaped like a Christmas tree, this cake incorporates Josun Deli's 110 years of expertise, made with ganache and black velvet sheets.

'Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cake.' Photo by Twosome Place

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Twosome Place also introduced the "Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cake" for consumers seeking a small luxury. This product features a rich gold chocolate ganache infused with the luxurious flavor of Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky, complemented by a refreshing yet sweet blood orange coulis and cream, offering a unique taste. Priced at 85,000 won, it is also the most expensive cake Twosome Place has ever released.

While ultra-premium and premium cakes from hotels and coffee brands are in the spotlight, traditional bakery brands like Paris Baguette and Tous Les Jours still dominate the cake market. They offer cost-effective cakes in the 10,000 to 30,000 won range, targeting consumers who do not wish to spend a fortune on cakes.

Paris Baguette '2024 Holiday Cake.' Photo by Paris Baguette

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This year, Paris Baguette unveiled its seasonal products under the theme "Wish You a Happy Holiday." Main products are priced between 20,000 and 30,000 won. The Wish Cake is 35,000 won, Wishing Tree Cake 36,000 won, Santa Elf Cake 36,000 won, Holiday Ginger Man 31,000 won, Santa Village Little Soldier 32,000 won, and Happy Holiday Cake 29,000 won. A 20% discount is available for advance reservations.

Tous Les Jours 'Holiday Wishes - Dream Wish Shop Cake.' Photo by Tous Les Jours homepage

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Tous Les Jours also launched its seasonal cakes under the theme "Holiday Wishes, Dream Wish Shop." Prices range from 10,000 to 30,000 won. Key products include Shining White Choco at 34,000 won, Twinkle Mango Tree at 38,000 won, Lovely Holiday at 19,000 won, and Winter Joy! Snowman at 28,000 won. A maximum 20% discount is offered for advance reservation events.

A retail industry official stated, "December, with the Christmas boom, is a time when cake sales can triple," adding, "While in the past, cakes were mainly bought at bakeries, more recently, convenience stores have diversified the sales channels, making competition even fiercer."