Global Cocoa Shortage Squeezes Chocolate Makers

Global cocoa shortages rooted in West Africa, rising input costs and new tariffs have driven cocoa and chocolate prices sharply higher, squeezing margins for chocolatiers and retailers worldwide. Small makers such as Tucson’s Monsoon Chocolate and Nebraska shops report steep cost increases—Monsoon says specialty bean prices and tariffs have "fundamentally changed" the business, and one Nebraska shop reported nearly a 200% price jump from Jan 2024 to Jan 2025—forcing price rises ahead of key seasons. Larger makers and global brands are pushing into specialty markets, increasing competition for limited high-quality beans, while wholesalers and retailers in markets like New Zealand (e.g., Whittaker’s) have raised prices and allowed wide supermarket price variation with retailers setting their own RRPs. Halloween, which accounts for about 18% of U.S. candy sales, is a test for the industry as data show chocolate volumes declining while non-chocolate treats like sour gummies gain share. Businesses are responding by shopping sales, buying in bulk, partnering locally, and raising prices, but some small shops warn they may not survive prolonged high input costs despite hopes holiday nostalgia will sustain demand.