Why is chocolate so expensive?
Rising chocolate prices explained- Why has chocolate increased dramatically in price over the last few years?
In Ghana and the Ivory Coast, where 70 % of the world’s cacao comes from, cocoa farmers have been hit by plant diseases, especially Swollen Shoot Virus Disease. Mealybugs spread it, causing leaves to yellow and pods to shrink, and eventually kill the trees. This will lead to the trees being cut down, which is the only solution which will reduce short-term production. For more information, head over to SCIENTISTS TACKLE CACAO SWOLLEN SHOOT VIRUS
Rising cocoa prices, climate impact, and ethical sourcing all play a role. Award-winning chocolatier Miss Witt breaks it down.
YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE THE SWOLLON SHOOT HERE -FAR RIGHT
How has climate change affected cacao in other growing regions in the world?
For the beautiful fine fine-flavoured cacao in Ecuador, I have first-hand knowledge of how the weather is affecting cocoa production. Colleagues in the chocolate industry have family-owned cacao estates. My dear friend Susana Cárdenas of Cardenas Chocolate told me that this year’s harvest was particularly special. Her family works according to biodynamic principles and uses the lunar calendar to determine the optimal time for harvesting. For the January cacao harvest this year, there was a brief window of opportunity that they acted on, which led to an excellent harvest. Had they waited just two weeks longer, the rains would have arrived and it would have been a disaster. Experience her beautiful chocolate like I did last May, you can buy online: Ecuador Single Origin – the Chocolate Detective
Cocoa farming in Ecuador: The start of chocolate’s complex journey at Cardenas Chocolate Estate in Chone,
Mass-produced chocolate vs. artisan bars: Why quality matters -Tasting Cardenas Chocolate 2025 harvest
In Grenada , The Caribbean
In Grenada, Chantal Coady, founder of The Chocolate Detective, described Grenada is out of organic cocoa it has for quite a while , one failed harvest from drought and then the hurricane. To learn more about the Grenada Chocolate Company, head over to Grenada – the Chocolate Detective
In Colombia ,South America
Luker Chocolate, a family-owned business. Each type of chocolate they produce, whether it’s milk, white or dark chocolate, all have their unique flavour profile, which comes from the variety of cacao and the terroir of the land. I know many of you have already tasted! Their chocolate is grown on cacao farms across Colombia and produced in their factory in Bogotá. It’s a bean-to-bar process they handle themselves, which ensures quality, sustainability, and fair treatment of farmers at every step.
From bean to bar: The true cost of ethical chocolate making. Colombian White Chocolate with its unique flavour profile, full of the taste of chocolate.
‘Along with the effects of climate change in cocoa growing regions, there are a couple of other key reasons why chocolate prices have been rising’
Market Speculation: A lot of price movement has come from investors who aren’t even part of the chocolate industry. At one point, over 60% of cocoa market positions were held by people just trading for profit, which adds a lot of instability to prices.
New EU Regulations: The European Union is introducing new deforestation rules that require cocoa to be traceable and sustainably sourced. While this is a great step for the planet, it does create extra pressure on the supply chain, and that can raise prices too.
Luker’s Approach: They’re staying committed to their farmers’ pay (94% of the market rate, and a bonus), which helps communities and keeps the cocoa supply strong. They’ve tried to absorb some of the cost increases, but a price rise was necessary to keep everything running sustainably.
Delicious Bombay Sapphire and lime truffles from our cocktail chocolate class, with a silky smooth centre. Understanding chocolate’s value through hands-on tasting experiences.