Rising Cocoa Prices Push German Chocolate Costs Higher

Despite significant price increases, chocolate consumption in Germany remains largely steady, driven by emotional connection and holiday traditions.

Chocolate prices in Germany have surged, with some products like Schoko-Weihnachtsmänner increasing by up to 50% and Ritter Sport's Alpenmilch-Tafel rising nearly 27%.
The price hikes are attributed to poor cocoa harvests caused by climate-related issues such as droughts, heavy rains, and plant diseases, leading to record cocoa costs earlier this year.
Consumer surveys indicated intentions to cut back on chocolate purchases, but sales data shows only a slight decline of 1.3% in total chocolate product sales over the past year.
German consumers remain loyal to chocolate as an emotional and nostalgic indulgence, with per capita consumption nearing 10 kilograms annually, up from previous years.
While premium brands like Lindt have seen smaller price increases, many shoppers are turning to store brands or waiting for discounts on major chocolate brands to manage costs.