On the eve of Valentine's Day, chocolate lovers may face an unpleasant surprise - a significant increase in prices for their favorite treats. The cost of chocolate products in 2025 will rise by 10-20% compared to last year.

According to *CNN*, such a rise in price is associated with a sharp jump in prices for cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate. According to David Branch, sector manager at *Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute*, prices for cocoa beans have more than doubled since the beginning of 2024, which significantly affects the final cost of chocolate products.

Cocoa futures, which reflect the expected value of the future harvest, have increased by 143% over the past year. The main reason for this jump is adverse weather conditions in West Africa, where most of the world's cocoa production is concentrated. Frequent rains and a viral disease of cocoa beans have caused crop failures, exacerbating the shortage of raw materials on the market.

In December 2024, the price of cocoa reached a record high of $12,646 per metric ton. At the same time, according to Intercontinental Exchange, cocoa futures were already trading at a price below $10,000 per ton on February 10, 2025, but this is still significantly higher than in previous years. Such price increases affect the cost of chocolate - over the past two years it has increased by more than 167%.

The main suppliers of cocoa in the world are Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, which provide about 70% of global production. However, due to climate change and the spread of cocoa tree diseases, these countries are increasingly facing crop problems. This opens up opportunities for other countries, including Ecuador, to increase their own production. However, it should be borne in mind that growing cocoa beans is a long process: the tree produces its first fruits only 4-6 years after planting.

Despite all the difficulties, the demand for chocolate continues to grow, which only increases the tension in the market. So before Valentine's Day, consumers should be prepared for the fact that their favorite sweets will cost much more than in previous years.