Briefing: Why is chocolate so expensive — and where have prices risen most?
Strategic angle: Chocolate prices rose 18% across the EU in 2025 — the highest increase of any food item — as drought in West Africa drove up cocoa costs.
The 18% increase in chocolate prices across the EU in 2025 can be attributed to severe drought conditions in West Africa, which have adversely affected cocoa production. This disruption highlights vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
The variations in price increases across different European markets suggest that local infrastructure and distribution networks are responding differently to the cocoa supply constraints. Regions with more robust logistics may mitigate some of the price pressures.
As chocolate prices soar, stakeholders in the food supply chain must assess their operational capacities and consider strategic adjustments to manage future risks associated with agricultural dependencies.