The increase in the price of chocolate began in spring 2024. “ Drought is partly to blame for the compression of productionworld” explains Eric Touron of the eponymous pastry shop located in Arles-sur-Tech. While in 2023 a tonne of cocoa was trading at around €2,500, last April, the bar of €12,000 per tonne was exceeded. “The situation is tense » explains Frédéric Torrès, chocolate producer, artisan chocolate roaster. The price of cocoa is based on the world’s largest producer, Ivory Coast, whose production is declining. “ In October, there was a global shortage of 500,000 tonnes » indicates the chocolatier.
Quickly informed by cooperatives and resellers, professionals were able to anticipate the increase. Frédéric Torres thus stored cocoa beans and cocoa butter and Eric Touron the sticks for the pain au chocolat. “ This allows us to maintain its price at €1.10. If we followed the price of chocolate we would have to sell it at €1.20 or €1.25. » According to the pastry chef, some of his colleagues are even wondering whether to stop this article.
At these two professionals, the price of other products has increased. “ We didn’t think it was going to last this long. Price increases are slightly felt in stores. It’s not just chocolate that’s increasing, the rest of the raw materials but also energy, everything has increased. We cannot impact the entirety on consumers, so we are cutting back a little on our margins. The only thing I refuse to cut corners on is quality. » indicates Frédéric Torres who buys organic fair trade cocoa beans and the price of which continues to rise.
Cocoa harvests are carried out twice a year in March/April and October/September. “ We try to do the best we can so that consumers are not too impacted while continuing our activity. We hope that the situation will improve and that conditions will be better for this new year »concludes the Arlesian.
