Chocolate Prices Expected to Rise, But Market Outlook Bright for Next Year

Chocolate prices are set to rise due to lingering effects from high cocoa costs caused by adverse weather, pests, and tight supply in West Africa, which produces about three-quarters of global cocoa. Retail price inflation has further pushed up costs for consumers, with chocolate seeing some of the highest annual price increases globally. While cocoa futures have eased slightly in 2025, the lagged impact keeps chocolate expensive. However, improved production, better weather, and new plantings in Ecuador and Brazil may ease prices by Easter. Tariffs, labor costs, and structural supply constraints mean high prices may persist in the near term.