German confectioners produce more chocolate Santas this year

At around 169 million Santas, this marks a 5.6% increase over the previous year, the BDSI said, referring to a survey of its member companies.

Domestic supermarkets, discounters, department stores and specialist retailers had ordered more, and demand from abroad also picked up.

"In difficult and uncertain political times, it shows that confectionery is one of the small pleasures of everyday life," said BDSI General Director Carsten Bernoth.

One-third of the chocolate figures are sold abroad, while two-thirds stay at home.