Why are laduree macarons so expensive?

I'm curious to know, why are Laduree macarons so notoriously pricey? Is it the intricate and delicate crafting process? The high-quality ingredients used, such as almond flour and granulated sugar? Or could it be the iconic branding and reputation that Laduree has built over the years? It's intriguing to ponder the reasons behind the steep price tag, especially considering the small size of each macaron.