As Easter approaches, consumers are facing higher prices for Easter eggs, with the cost of cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, soaring to unprecedented levels. This surge in prices has been attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including the climate crisis and exploitation within the cocoa industry, raising concerns about the sustainability of chocolate production and its implications for farmers and consumers alike.
Traditionally, Easter is a time when UK consumers indulge in chocolate treats(may include Easter eggs), spending over £1bn collectively on food, drink, and gifts. However, this year, shoppers are feeling the pinch as chocolate prices have risen by more than 12.6% since last Easter, outpacing the overall increase in supermarket food and drink prices. The skyrocketing cost of cocoa, which hit a record high just before Valentine’s Day, has further exacerbated the situation, reaching over $10,000 per tonne.
The cocoa shortage, particularly acute in west Africa, where more than half of the world’s cocoa beans are harvested, has been a key driver behind the price hikes. Experts attribute this shortage to a combination of factors, including climate-related weather events, exploitation of farmers, and increased global demand. Climate change-induced phenomena such as extreme weather events and declining soil fertility have taken a toll on cocoa production, leading to reduced yields and lower quality crops.
In addition to climate-related challenges, farmers supplying large cocoa companies often face exploitation and poor working conditions, further exacerbating the cocoa shortage. Issues such as low wages, child labor, and lack of investment in farming practices have long plagued the cocoa industry, with many farmers struggling to make ends meet.
The ripple effects of the cocoa crisis are being felt not only by large manufacturers but also by smaller craft chocolatiers who rely on high-quality and ethically sourced ingredients. For businesses like Lucocoa in London, rising cocoa prices pose a significant challenge, compounding the financial strain caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and other economic factors. Founder Amarachi Clarke highlights the interconnected nature of issues such as climate change, exploitation, and lack of investment in farming communities, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change in the chocolate industry.
While some larger brands, like Tony’s Chocolonely, advocate for paying farmers higher prices for cocoa, they acknowledge that simply raising cocoa prices on the trading market does not necessarily translate to increased income for farmers. Douglas Lamont, CEO of Tony’s Chocolonely, emphasizes the need for greater transparency and accountability in the cocoa supply chain to ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their labor.
Dr. Michael Odijie, a researcher at University College London, underscores the long-standing issue of low wages and exploitation in cocoa farming, calling attention to the inequities inherent in the industry. He argues that chocolate products are often priced too low, leading to unsustainable farming practices and exploitation of farmers, particularly in west Africa.
As consumers grapple with higher prices of Easter eggs and cocoa prices this year, the cocoa crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic change in the chocolate industry. From addressing climate-related challenges to tackling exploitation and promoting fair trade practices, there is a pressing need for collective action to ensure a sustainable and ethical future for cocoa farming. By supporting brands that prioritize transparency and fair compensation for farmers, consumers can play a vital role in driving positive change in the chocolate industry.
