Chocolate becomes more expensive: smaller Easter bunnies by cocoa crisis!

Chocolate becomes more expensive: smaller Easter bunnies by cocoa crisis!

Currently, consumers in Germany are experiencing an unpleasant surprise at the supermarket coffers: High cocoa prices lead to smaller chocolate east bunnies and a striking increase in chocolate. According to the Krone , this is primarily due to the top prices for cocoa on the world market that, according to JPMorgan, reach record heights. Consumers pay a third less chocolate on average for each euro than five years ago. This is particularly striking for Lindt's “gold bunnies”, which costs for the first time over four euros, and at Milka, which increase the packs of your 100-gram panel from 1.49 euros to 1.99 euros and at the same time reduce to 90 grams.

The situation is tightened by the cocoa crisis, which is largely triggered by climate change. Weather extremes, pests and mismanagement have significantly impaired the cocoa harvest. In 2024, Ghana in 2024 has had the worst harvest in two decades with a decline of almost 50 percent. The price of cocoa reached a maximum of up to 12,000 euros per ton, which is six more expensive than a few years ago. According to taz , prices have more than quadrupled since January 2023, and experts predict that the price spiral moves further.

The life situation of the cocoa farmers

Behind the problem of high cocoa prices is an even greater social issue, namely the extreme poverty of cocoa farmers. A study by oxfam shows that around 90 percent of the cocoa beans in Ghana do not achieve an existential income. The average earnings are less than half of what would be necessary for an adequate life. In particular, households that are run by women often earn only 31% of the required income.

The supermarkets that drive most of the cocoa significantly influence pricing. Edeka, Lidl, Kaufland, Rewe and Aldi control about 87% of the market in Germany. Oxfam demands from these retailers that existential prices for cocoa farmers will be paid by the end of 2025. Unfortunately, only 4 percent of chocolate products in large German supermarkets pay such prices.

effects of the climate crisis

In addition to the social challenges, the climate crisis has a direct impact on cocoa cultivation. The weather conditions in the relevant growing regions become increasingly extreme, which increases the risk of crop failures and associated bottlenecks. Experts warn that the quality of the chocolate could suffer, since manufacturers may replace cocoa butter with other cheaper ingredients. Companies such as Ritter Sport and Lindt have already premiered who have reacted to the price increases by also raising their prices.

Overall, it can be seen that consumers not only have to pay for their chocolate, but also get less of it. Furthermore, the pressure of crowding on cocoa farmers has far -reaching social consequences due to the pricing in the supermarkets. In view of these developments, it is becoming increasingly important to keep an eye on the conditions in cocoa cultivation and the role of the supermarkets.