Chocolate prices across Europe surged by an average of 17.9% in 2025, the highest among all food categories, according to Eurostat.
The spike stems from severe supply disruptions in West Africa, where Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana-responsible for nearly two-thirds of global cocoa-saw output collapse due to prolonged dryness and disease outbreaks.
Cocoa prices more than doubled from $3.28/kg in 2023 to $7.80/kg in 2025, driving up production costs despite cocoa making up only 10-20% of total expenses.
Poland led the EU with a 32.6% increase, followed by Estonia, Lithuania, Romania, and Latvia-all above 25%. Turkey reported a staggering 44% rise, though its data includes broader cocoa-based products.
Countries with strong domestic chocolate industries like Germany, France, Belgium, and Switzerland showed lower inflation due to vertical integration and long-term contracts that absorb input shocks.
In contrast, nations with smaller or import-dependent sectors passed through cost increases more directly to consumers.