This Sunday 20 April, when Easter is celebrated, chocolate is appreciated in many ways. But this year, these goodies are more expensive. In France, for example, the federal union of Choisir consumers indicates an average increase of 14% in the price of Easter chocolates in supermarkets. In recent years, cocoa prices have shot due to the climatic conditions in West Africa, responsible for 70% of the production of world cereals.
This Sunday 20 April, when Easter is celebrated, chocolate is appreciated in many ways. But this year, these goodies are more expensive. In France, for example, the federal union of consumers Beyond It indicates an average increase of 14% in the price of Easter chocolates in supermarkets. In recent years, cocoa prices have shot due to the climatic conditions in West Africa, responsible for 70% of the production of world cereals.
Cacaueiros likes the heat, but a certain limit. According to a study recently published in the magazine NatureThe experiments conducted in Brazil and Indonesia indicate that a drop in temperature of 7 ° C during the hot season can increase the production of 30%. The hypothesis raised suggests that this variation would have an impact on the physiology of plants.
On the other hand, above 32 ° C, the conditions are no longer ideal. The Central Association of the Climate analyzed how many days have exceeded this limit due to global warming and the results indicate that, in the last 10 years, the cocoa of the Ivory Cocoa regions has recorded temperatures above 32 ° C on average 80 days a year. Without global warming, this number is estimated to be halved.
Limiting greenhouse gas emissions is essential. Furthermore, combining the cultivation of trees that protect the cocoa of the sun can be an effective solution, especially in view of the risk of increasing humidity, according to the study published in Nature. It is worth remembering that the deforestation caused by the production of cocoa also contributes to climate change.
In Belgium, consumers react to an increase in prices
In the country famous for its chocolate, the dark chocolate price has increased by 49% in the last two years. In global markets, a ton of cocoa currently costs $ 8,000 compared to $ 2,000 a few years ago.
Given this scenario, Belgian chocolates try to adapt, but for many, changing the recipe for their products is out of the question. “We don’t try to reduce quality, because this would be evident in our products,” explains Mélissa Kalabokas of the shop Délices du Roy. “We have to increase our prices. We noticed a difference also compared to last year. We had to reduce the amount of bags or chocolate boxes to make them more convenient,” he adds.
Even with high prices, a shop of a famous Belgian chocolate continues to receive many customers. “Now I will have fun, because I know that the prices will continue to rise. So we have to buy as much as possible while still gives it. Even the cheaper chocolate bars have become very expensive in supermarkets,” says a consumer.
For the traditional Easter egg hunt, consumers are adapting their habits. “We buy eggs from the supermarket to maintain tradition, but unfortunately the quality is no longer the same”, complains another customer.
Although the increases, the Belgians in love with chocolate do not seem willing to reduce consumption. By 2024, sales increased by 2% in the country.
(With RFI and AFP)
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
