As chocolate lovers, we’re all noticing it: the rising cost of chocolate. The price of cacao is at a 50-year high, and that’s making an impact on everything from your favorite chocolate bars to baked goods. So, what’s behind this price surge, and how can you make a difference?
Let’s break it down—because we believe that knowing where your chocolate comes from is just as important as how it tastes!
Why Are Cacao Prices Rising?
The cacao industry is facing some serious challenges right now, and it’s affecting both farmers and consumers. Here’s a quick rundown of the factors at play:
- Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns, from droughts to heavy rainfall, are hurting cacao crops, especially in key producing regions like West Africa.
- Crop Diseases: Cacao trees are facing increased threats from diseases, which are lowering yields. Because of the mistreatment of farmers and the existence of child slavery in West African cacao farms, the farmers have little incentive or funds to improve the land, improve soil, and diversify genetics.
- Fair Pay for Farmers: Many cacao farmers are underpaid, making it hard for them to keep growing cacao. As more farmers leave the industry, there’s less supply, which drives prices up.
- Supply Chain Challenges: Disruptions due to everything from logistics issues to market speculation are adding to the strain.
What Does This Mean for You?
You might be wondering, “Okay, so what does this all mean for my chocolate fix?” Well, expect to see higher prices at the checkout, along with potential changes in chocolate sizes and ingredients. Some brands may even try to reduce the quality of their products to keep costs down. And there are now many new non-cacao chocolates being produced and tested.
But here’s the good news: you have the power to make a difference! By choosing chocolate that’s made with ethics and sustainability in mind, you’re supporting a better future for the cacao industry.
How Can You Help?
As a company committed to sustainability, we believe that quality chocolate starts with quality practices. Here’s what we’re doing to make a difference:
-
Fair Pay & Transparency: We work directly with farmer cooperatives to ensure they’re paid fairly for their hard work, building long-term relationships that empower them.
-
🌿 Sustainable Farming Practices: Growing Cacao in Harmony with Nature
We believe that great chocolate starts with great farming practices—ones that work with nature, not against it. That’s why we source our cacao from farmers who grow cacao in biodiverse agroforestry systems rather than industrial plantations.
Unlike large-scale monoculture farming, which clears forests for cacao, our farmers grow cacao interplanted with native shade trees and other crops—a method known as shade-grown cacao farming.
This approach:
✔️ Enriches the soil and protects it from erosion
✔️ Provides habitat for wildlife like birds, insects, and small mammals
✔️ Supports pollinators, which are essential for healthy cacao trees
✔️ Boosts carbon storage, helping to combat climate change
The leaf litter from shade trees is particularly important, as it helps sustain the insects that pollinate cacao blossoms. This natural cycle ensures healthier cacao crops without the need for chemical interventions.
Cacao thrives in tropical climates, where temperatures range between 20°C and 35°C. It grows in large pods that contain beans, which are harvested, fermented, roasted, and ground before becoming the chocolate we all love.
Farmers who choose these sustainable methods are making a big commitment—not just to the environment, but to future generations of chocolate lovers. Because their yields are lower than mass-produced cacao, they rely on organic and premium markets to support their work.
By growing cacao under a diverse tree canopy, they’re not only producing better-quality beans but also contributing to a healthier planet.
-
Ethical Sourcing: No shortcuts here! We believe in transparent sourcing and making sure every step of our chocolate-making process benefits both you and the farmers.
When you choose chocolate that’s responsibly sourced, you’re helping us support the people who grow the cacao and the environment that sustains them. It’s a win-win!
What’s Next for the Chocolate Industry?
With cacao prices at a record high, the chocolate industry is at a crossroads. Will more brands prioritize quality, sustainability, and fair wages? Or will we see more cheap alternatives flooding the market?
At Viva Cacao, we’re all about preserving the integrity of chocolate. We’re committed to making chocolate with care, while supporting the farmers who make it all possible.
By making informed choices and supporting sustainable brands, you’re part of the change. Together, we can build a brighter future for chocolate—one that’s both delicious and responsible.
In Conclusion:
Chocolate is a beloved treat, but it’s also a complex industry, and right now, it’s facing some major hurdles. By staying informed and supporting sustainable brands like ours, you can help ensure that the future of chocolate is both delicious and ethical.
Thanks for being a part of our journey toward a sweeter and more sustainable world. 🍫💚