"Rising Cocoa Prices: Impact on Easter Chocolate and African Farmers"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Associated Press
Changing climate patterns in West Africa are affecting cocoa supplies, leading to higher prices for chocolate products. While African cocoa farmers struggle with lower yields and higher production costs, major confectionery companies are seeing increased profits by passing on the rise in cocoa prices to consumers. The high Easter demand for chocolate is expected to result in price spikes, with some popular brands already raising prices by up to 15%. Authorities are promoting farming education and promising support to help mitigate the effects of climate change on cocoa production. Despite rising candy prices, consumer spending on chocolate for Easter is expected to remain high, but smaller chocolate businesses are finding it difficult to keep up with the spike in cocoa prices.