Cocoa Shortage Hits Valentine's Day Chocolates

A global cocoa shortage, triggered by climate change, has led to a 200% surge in raw cocoa prices over the past year, affecting chocolate makers and consumers alike, with the shortage expected to impact Valentine's Day, Easter, and Christmas celebrations.

The shortage is primarily caused by extreme weather conditions, including excessive heat and rainfall, in West African countries, which produce most of the world's cacao, leading to fungal diseases and mealybugs that affect yield and quality. As a result, chocolate makers are adding more fillers like nuts and fruits to their products to offset costs, while others are increasing prices by up to 20%.

The cocoa supply deficit is estimated to be the worst in 60 years, with experts predicting that the impact will be felt beyond the current holiday season. To mitigate the issue, advocates are calling for stepped-up environmental protections in cocoa-producing areas, including planting more trees and ensuring sustainable pay for cacao farmers. Researchers have found that the climate crisis is significantly contributing to the decline in global chocolate production, primarily due to the increasing frequency of high temperatures in West Africa.

Big brands like Nestle, Hershey, and Mondelēz are warning of further price hikes, while companies like Taza Chocolate have already seen a 15% increase in prices. Despite the price rise, chocolate sales are still increasing, with consumers treating it as an indulgence. Countries outside West Africa are stepping up cocoa production, and chocolate manufacturers are diversifying their products to reduce their dependence on chocolate.

The increase in cocoa prices has been significant, with New York prices reaching over $10,000 a tonne in January, and experts warn that the cacao crop faces an "existential threat" due to increasingly dry conditions, emphasizing the need for collective action to combat desertification and preserve the planet's capacity to sustain life.