Global chocolate producers are faced with a record rise in cocoa bean prices. This forces them to resort to various tricks, MIR 24 reports citing Bloomberg.
Nut-flavored chocolate bars that are two-thirds lighter than their competitors have launched in the UK. Instead of traditional chocolate, manufacturers are increasingly using peanut butter and caramel, increasing their content in sweets.
Experts believe cocoa prices will remain high for the foreseeable future.
In early February, prices for cocoa beans soared to record levels in 46 years. On the London Stock Exchange, the cost of a ton reached 5 009 USD. The reason for the sharp increase was a crop failure in West Africa, one of the main cocoa growing regions.