Cocoa Prices Soar to Record Highs Amid Poor Harvests in West Africa
The El Niño weather phenomenon and climate change contribute to a significant increase in cocoa prices, affecting chocolate manufacturers and consumers worldwide.
- Global cocoa prices have reached a new all-time high, significantly impacting chocolate production costs and consumer prices.
- The El Niño weather phenomenon and climate change are causing drier weather and poor harvests in West Africa, the world's largest cocoa-producing region.
- Major chocolate manufacturers like Hershey and Cadbury have warned of limited earnings growth and potential price increases for consumers.
- The price of cocoa has doubled in the past year, with the most active futures contract reaching the highest price in 65 years of data.
- Consumers are already feeling the impact, with the price of some chocolate products rising significantly over the past year.