Chocolate Prices Soar to Record Highs Amidst Poor Harvests and Climate Woes
March 26, 2024
Cocoa futures for May delivery have hit a record $10,030 per ton, up 3.9%.
Unusual weather patterns, including extreme heat and heavy rain, have led to poor cocoa harvests.
Chocolate prices have surged by 12.6% over the past year, outpacing general food and drink inflation.
Climate change and El Nino are significant contributors to the ongoing rise in cocoa prices.
Major chocolate producers like Hershey and Mondelez are facing increased costs and supply chain issues.
West African weather conditions could worsen harvests from April onwards, potentially increasing chocolate prices further.
Chocolate companies are adapting by promoting non-chocolate Easter products to maintain profits.
The Baltimore refinery has been impacted by the port closure, affecting supply chains.
European green coffee stocks dropped significantly in February, and coffee prices are also on the rise due to limited supplies.
Summary based on 20 sources
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Sources

Forbes • Mar 26, 2024
Cocoa Prices Reach All-Time High: What This Means For Easter Baskets
Quartz • Mar 26, 2024
Cocoa prices are soaring and creating Easter chaos for candy companies
The Independent • Mar 26, 2024
The price of a Freddo has gone up again and again
Nasdaq • Mar 26, 2024
FOCUS-Hershey, Mondelez bet big on Easter as cocoa price crisis looms