Bitter Easter, chocolate eggs increasingly expensive. The cocoa crisis takes its toll

Brussels – Easter time, time for chocolate eggs. Established customs and traditions that are, however, in danger of changing because of a bitter product, not because it is too dark, but because it is too expensive. The price of cocoa is on the rise, which is affecting selling prices and, consequently, leading to declining demand. In the Netherlands, purchases are 12.5 per cent lower than in Easter 2024, and the reason is the price increase of the raw material. Ringing the alarm bell is the European Commission, which in its last update on trade, highlights “soaring prices” for cocoa products.

Even J.P. Morgan has felt the need to monitor trends in the cocoa market, suddenly scarce. “Diseases, climate change, and threatening weather conditions have devastated crops in West Africa, which contributes about 80 per cent of the world’s cocoa production, and cocoa availability is at an all-time low.” Low supply and high demand result in skyrocketing prices. Specific inflation that began in 2024 and persists. “This could, in turn, have an impact on chocolate sales.” 

In the Netherlands, this has already happened; in Italy, it could happen as well. According to a survey by Altroconsumo, compared to last year, an Easter egg will, on average, cost 5.4 per cent more this year. The majority of Italian respondents said they intend to spend as much as they did last year, not more. For the same budget and rising prices, therefore, fewer eggs.

Expensive cocoa is also being felt across the Channel. Almost half of Brits admit they would replace traditional Easter eggs with a chocolate bar to get better value for money. The cost of Easter eggs has risen in recent years, and it seems that the British are tired of paying the price.