Surging Cocoa Prices Raises Cost of Chocolate in Utah

The price of cocoa used to make chocolate is at a 44-year high. and this is not good news for your Christmas baking. This article from Fox says futures haven’t been this high since 1979. 

Cocoa production disruptions in the world's top-producing region have caused the third consecutive global cocoa deficit. 

The area of West Africa where much cocoa is produced has been experiencing heavy rainfall that has damaged the crop. This area of Africa produces 70% of the cocoa. With constant rain the flowers didn’t develop, and a fungus spawned. This will have an impact on the production of chocolate. 

What does this mean for your chocolaty Christmas treats in Utah? With less cocoa being harvested they expect the price to increase. More expensive holiday fudge and the cookies left for Santa may have less chocolate chips.

Your countdown to Christmas calendar will change. You will open the tiny paper door each day to find a skittle or even worse, and IOU.

My biggest fear is those people who love those super chewy caramels are going to try and make up the deficit. Soon I will have truckloads of those treats all over my house, and you know, I have to eat them. I may wear my jaw out with all the chewing. 

Despite the inconvenience, we will get through the cocoa shortage. I feel more for those people who produce it who are going through more of a struggle than I am.  

What’s that you say? There’s a sugar shortage? Ok, now it’s time to panic.