Summary
Cocoa prices have dropped significantly from their peak, but Easter chocolate remains expensive. Major chocolate companies increased prices during a spike in cocoa costs, and these prices haven't decreased despite the drop in cocoa prices because of previous long-term contracts and other cost factors.
Key Facts
- Cocoa prices have fallen from over $12,000 per metric ton in 2024 to about $3,000 to $3,300 now.
- Chocolate prices for Easter are about 14% higher than last year.
- Major chocolate companies raised prices by up to 20% during the cocoa price spike in 2024-2025.
- The total cost of Easter baskets has risen 71% over five years, mainly due to candy prices.
- Chocolate companies are still dealing with higher-cost cocoa they bought earlier.
- Executives say that prices are unlikely to lower quickly due to existing contracts and other factors.
- Wells Fargo's David Branch describes the situation as a "reset" with ongoing cost pressures.
- Lower chocolate prices might be seen later this year, possibly by Halloween.
