It hasn’t been so expensive yet. Prices increased by 170 percent

The changes affect both consumers and confectionery owners who have to face the growing production costs.

The last months are a real test for chocolate producers and consumers. During the year, cocoa prices on global markets increased by over 170 percent. For lovers of sweets, this means that the prices of products such as chocolates, pralines or cookies have increased significantly.

Both shop customers and confectionery owners feel increases. The latter must face the growing costs of purchasing raw materials, such as chocolate, butter and vanilla. In some cases, it was necessary to change suppliers to find products at more affordable prices, as confirmed by Albert Judycki, the owner of the Warsaw confectionery:

– The current supplier raised prices by half, which was a huge burden. Fortunately, we were able to find chocolate at a good price and quality, which allows us to continue to offer products at a high level – he said in an interview with the RMF FM reporter.

Not just cocoa. Other ingredients are also more expensive

Cocoa is just one of many ingredients whose prices have soared up. Confectioners also struggle with higher butter costs, which constitute a large part of their expenses. As Albert Judycki notes:

– Every invoice for butter is a trauma for us. We are talking here about tens of thousands of zlotys. A few years ago we had a similar situation with vanilla – added the confectioner in an interview with the RMF FM reporter.

Chocolate prices for consumers have also increased. Milky chocolate has increased on average by PLN, and chocolate with nuts – even by over PLN 4. The reason for these changes is mainly climate change, which hinders the cultivation of cocoa.

Bankruptcy in the confectionery industry

The effects of drastic increases in cocoa prices are not limited to more expensive chocolate tablets. The increase in the costs of raw materials also contributed to bankruptcies in the confectionery industry. An example is the plant in Grödig, Salzburg (Austria), known for the production of the famous Mozartkugel, which after more than 100 years of activity had to close its door.

For customers, this means not only higher prices, but also limited availability of some products that may become less profitable for producers.