In the weeks leading up to Easter, it's almost impossible to escape the flood of chocolate-related content. For some, it's a delightful excuse to explore new trends and indulge in this period of sweetness; for others, it may be a tough temptation to avoid.But there's one thing all can agree on: chocolate is getting expensive. If you're a regular consumer, you've probably noticed it too—either the prices are going up, or the products, especially the bars, are getting smaller.

I first realized something was off while browsing a fast-delivery app for a chocolate bar. Sure, those apps usually inflate prices, but this time, the difference was absurd: more than twice the price I was used to pay. I shut the app, annoyed at myself for not accounting for my sweet tooth in the last grocery run, and added "chocolate" to my next physical shopping list—only to be shocked again at the supermarket shelf. At first, I thought it was just me being out of touch with prices. But I was wrong.

The truth is that cocoa prices have suffered a huge increase — by more than 150% — between December 2023 and 2024, hitting an unprecedented $10,000 per metric ton. The culprit? Climate change.

We all have been experiencing weird weather events over the past couple of years. But unfortunately, extreme weather events are hitting hard in different parts of the world and becoming more and more common — although their devastation never becomes easier to deal with.

One major impact of these changes is on agriculture, which is highly susceptible to weather variations.

Erratic weather patterns, rising temperatures, intense and unexpected rain patterns, and crop diseases have battered cocoa production, especially in West Africa, which supplies around 80% of the world's cocoa. And with low inventories and only a modest 11% boost in production expected for 2025, the supply squeeze isn't easing anytime soon.

As a result, chocolate companies are adapting — reformulating recipes, adding more fillers, shrinking product sizes, and adjusting the price tag. Cocoa, after all, is a delicate crop that requires very specific conditions and heavy processing before it becomes the treat we love. Decades of underinvestment in cocoa farming have only made the system more fragile.

So, what can businesses do about it?

Invest in climate change mitigation strategies. Businesses need to go beyond offsetting emissions and start actively reducing their carbon footprint across operations and supply chains. Supporting initiatives that protect forests and promote regenerative agriculture can directly contribute to more stable growing conditions for crops like cocoa.

Support agricultural innovation and technology. From climate-resilient seeds to smarter irrigation systems, innovation in agriculture can make a big difference. Companies can fund or partner with research institutions and local cooperatives to bring these tools directly to the farmers who need them most.

Strengthen supply chains with long-term, sustainable practices. Rather than jumping from one supplier to the next based on price, companies should build long-term relationships with cocoa producers. Fairer contracts, better training, and more predictable income can help farming communities adapt to climate challenges and maintain a steady supply.

Because the next time you reach for a chocolate bar, it might cost more than just a few extra cents—it could reflect the real price of a changing planet.

Have a great and impactful week!

Natália Cantarino 
Researcher and Operations Manager
Center for Responsible Business & Leadership