The price of cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, has reached an all-time high due to dry weather damaging cocoa crops in West Africa, where most cocoa is produced.
This means the cost of making chocolate has doubled since last year, which is bad news for chocolate companies and chocolate lovers alike.
Big chocolate makers like Hershey are feeling the pinch and might even have to raise prices for consumers.
Why is this happening? Well, it’s mainly because of a weather pattern called El Niño, which is causing less rain and hotter temperatures in places like Ghana and Ivory Coast, where cocoa is grown.
This dry weather is making it harder for farmers to grow cocoa beans, leading to lower supply and higher prices. And it’s not just cocoa that’s getting more expensive; other ingredients like sugar are also costing more, making chocolate even pricier.
So, next time you grab a chocolate bar, remember that it’s not just a tasty treat – it’s also affected by things like the weather and global supply chains.
And while you enjoy that chocolate, spare a thought for the farmers who are struggling to cope with these challenges.
Credit: This information is summarized from a report by the BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68248145