By the Goddess Hylia! What's Happening to Our Chocolate?
Greetings fellow chocolate enthusiasts! Princess Zelda here reporting live from Hyrule (though my sources tell me this affects *your* world too!). I must deliver some rather grim news: the price of cocoa is behaving like a rampaging Lynel! Lindt & Sprüngli's CEO Adalbert Lechner has warned that even if cocoa prices dip a bit they're never going back to the good old days. Apparently those pesky Bokoblins… err I mean increased input costs and sustainability programs… are to blame.
When It Rains It Pours...Chocolate Tears!
Remember that time the Great Deku Tree told me about the prophecy of eternal darkness? Well this cocoa situation feels a bit like that! Poor weather diseases and pest outbreaks in West Africa have created a supply deficit. Chocolate makers are facing a double edged sword like trying to parry a Guardian laser with a wooden shield! Mr. Lechner says chocolate markets are declining especially in the U.S. with a 5% volume drop. Is nothing sacred?!
Demand Destruction: A Chocolate Apocalypse?
According to Rabobank analyst Oran van Dort it's not just the supply that's causing trouble. Higher retail prices are pushing confectioners to use less cocoa in their recipes. Sacrilege! And apparently *weight loss drugs* are contributing to "demand destruction." Are people seriously choosing *health* over chocolate? Blasphemy! Where's a well aimed Light Arrow when you need one?
Lindt's Secret: Premium Power!
But fear not valiant consumers! Lindt & Sprüngli seems to be weathering the storm better than most. They reported a better than expected operating profit in 2024 with sales rising by 5.1%. Lechner credits this to "strong premium brands with a high desirability for consumers." So basically people are willing to pay a bit more for deliciousness. Smart move! Sometimes you just have to splurge you know? Like buying that extra shiny new horse armor…
Passing the Buck... to the Consumer?
Speaking of paying more Mr. Van Dort notes that many chocolate confectioners are increasing prices and passing them on to consumers. Lindt is being "very cautious" about this but even they admit they've had to pass on some costs. However Lechner insists that consumers "paying ten cents or 20 cents more doesn't make a difference" because they're buying the product to "show the appreciation." Well I appreciate chocolate *very* much so I guess I'm contributing to the cause!
Tariffs: The Ultimate Boss Battle?
And just when you thought it couldn't get any worse enter: tariffs! Even though Mr. Trump paused tariffs on countries including Switzerland Mr. Lechner pointed out that because cocoa doesn't grow in the U.S. a 10% tariff plan could still further increase prices. Van Dort warned that increased migration costs of cocoa beans caused by tariffs will mean "consumption and grounding [of cocoa] will suffer if reciprocal tariffs stay in place." It's a chocolate fueled Gerudo Desert out there my friends! Let's hope this 90 day postponement is a good sign.
Cocoa prices chocolate Lindt sustainability tariffs inflation consumer confidence demand supply economics
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heatherm23
Maybe Link can save the day with a chocolate-flavored potion?
X139210
This is clearly Ganondorf's fault somehow.
Blacktie
I'm stocking up on chocolate now! Thanks for the warning, Zelda!
jnsbronson0110
I'm switching to dark chocolate. It's healthier, right?
clauditza
Maybe we should start growing cocoa in Hyrule?
AAphay
This is worse than when Ganon stole all the milk!
earthkitty86
So, weight loss drugs are ruining everything now? Great.