San Francisco, CA – As Easter approaches, many Americans are looking forward to indulging in their favorite chocolate treats. However, this year, chocolate lovers may have to dig a little deeper into their pockets as cocoa costs continue to rise, impacting the price of chocolate candy.
The surge in cocoa prices can be attributed to a variety of factors, including climate-related crises in west Africa, where the majority of the world’s cocoa is produced. Drought and plant disease have led to a significant cocoa deficit, causing prices to skyrocket in recent years. The cost of cocoa, which typically averaged around $2,000 a ton, peaked at over $12,000 in 2024.
Major chocolate producers, like Hershey, have already raised prices in response to the soaring cocoa costs. However, the challenges don’t end there. With the implementation of new tariffs on all imports by the Trump administration, the price of chocolate is expected to climb even higher. Economists predict that these tariffs could result in an average 3% increase in prices across all goods, including chocolate.
Small chocolate businesses are particularly vulnerable to these changes, as they may not have the resources to absorb additional costs. Companies like Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco are feeling the pressure, as they rely heavily on imported cocoa for their products. Despite their best efforts to navigate the unstable market, many small chocolate makers are struggling to stay afloat in the face of fluctuating prices.
In addition to cocoa costs, other factors like packaging prices and shipping expenses are also on the rise due to the tariffs. The uncertainty of the situation has made it challenging for chocolate businesses to plan for the future, with some even being forced to increase prices or close their doors.
As Easter approaches, consumers may notice higher prices at the checkout counter for their favorite chocolate treats. The impact of rising cocoa costs and tariffs is being felt across the chocolate industry, from big-name producers to small artisanal shops. Only time will tell how businesses and consumers alike will adapt to these changes in the chocolate market.