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Valentine's Day Chocolate Prices Surge Amid Cocoa Shortage

KVIA•Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

This Valentine's Day, chocolate lovers are facing a significant price increase, with consumer prices rising 14.4% compared to last year. This surge is attributed to a global cocoa bean shortage caused by poor harvests in West Africa, which produces about 70% of the world's cocoa. The price of cocoa futures soared from $2,500 per metric ton in mid-2022 to over $12,600 by late 2024, although recent drops have brought prices below $4,000. Despite this, retail prices remain high due to existing inventory purchased at crisis-level prices. Consumers are expected to spend $2.6 billion on candy this Valentine's Day, with price hikes varying by region, notably 19% in Dallas-Ft. Worth. Relief from high prices may not come until Easter or Halloween.

Key Details: • Chocolate prices increased by 14.4% year-over-year as of early February. • Dallas-Ft. Worth sees a 19% increase in chocolate prices. • Americans are projected to spend $2.6 billion on candy this Valentine's Day. • Retail price relief may occur by Easter, with further decreases expected by Halloween.

inflation valentines-day consumer-prices chocolate cocoa

People & Organizations

National Retail FederationNational Confectioners AssociationWells Fargo Agri-Food InstituteDavid BranchStacy TaffetWest AfricaDallas-Ft. WorthThe Hershey Company

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