Cocoa prices have fallen nearly 70% since last Valentine’s Day, but that won’t make heart-shaped boxes of chocolate or even chocolate Easter bunnies more affordable this year. Market research company Datasembly says chocolate prices at U.S. retail stores rose 14% between Jan. 1 and the first week of February compared to the same period last year. That’s on top of a 7.8% increase for the same period in 2025. Europe has seen even steeper price increases. Chocolate makers have long-term contracts that may still require them to pay more for cocoa even as supplies from West Africa increase. If shoppers are still willing to pay higher prices, candy companies aren't inclined to lower them.
