Cocoa prices surge 400%, impacting chocolatiers' businesses

Cocoa prices have surged due to climate change, affecting chocolatiers and chocolate lovers alike. In West Africa, major cocoa-producing regions have faced floods and droughts that have damaged crops. As a result, cocoa prices have nearly quadrupled, leading some businesses to close. Tammy Maki, owner of Raven Rising-Global Indigenous Chocolates, is shutting down her shop in Canada. She cites a 90% increase in chocolate prices over the past year, with a significant jump just before peak selling times. Maki even considered making her chocolate bars smaller to cope with rising costs. She notes that chocolate is not seen as a necessity, which makes it harder for customers to justify the price hikes. The surge in cocoa prices is attributed to a shortage in supply due to climate-related disasters. Graham Gordon from Christian Aid explains that such events have become more frequent and severe due to climate change. Experts say that while this year's cocoa harvest may be more stable, small-scale farmers are struggling to adapt to climate change. Most of the profits from chocolate sales do not reach the farmers, limiting their ability to invest in sustainable farming practices. Faye Moffatt, owner of River Layne Chocolate Couture in Saskatchewan, has seen similar price increases. Cocoa now costs between $10,000 and $12,000 per ton. She faces additional challenges from hot weather that can cause chocolate to melt during shipping. Both Maki and Moffatt are adapting to these changing conditions. Maki is exploring new products to offer, while Moffatt is trying to buy local supplies to support the Canadian economy.