Nervous chocolate lovers can breathe a sigh of relief as there will still be affordable
chocolate eggs this Easter, despite cocoa prices reaching a 50-year high. The cost
of cocoa surged to nearly US$12,000 per metric tonne (1,000 kilograms) in early
2025 due to poor harvests in West Africa, where 70 per cent of the world’s cocoa is
grown. According to researchers, disease, climate change and extreme weather
have devastated crops, leading to global shortages and increased costs for
chocolate manufacturers.
Some Australian chocolatiers, including the Noosa Chocolate Factory, have
committed to keeping prices stable this Easter. General manager Nick Southon said
their business model allows them to manage costs by producing chocolate in-house
and delivering directly to stores. “We know Aussies have been feeling the pinch, with
the cost of just about everything going up. But Easter is a time for chocolate lovers,
and we believe it should stay that way,” he said.
While some chocolate makers have been able to absorb costs for now, industry
analysts warn that ongoing supply issues could push prices higher in the coming
years. Cocoa crops in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s two largest producers,
are aging and declining in productivity. Many farmers struggle with the choice of
continuing to grow low-yield crops, replanting and waiting five years for new trees to
mature, or clearing more land for cultivation, contributing to deforestation. The long-
term environmental impact of cocoa production is raising concerns, as demand for
chocolate continues to grow, especially in Europe and North America.
The cocoa industry is undergoing a shift, and Far North Queensland (FNQ) could
play a role in its future. Cocoa farming is expanding to the Cassowary Coast, Cairns,
and Douglas Shire regions. These areas have the tropical climate necessary for
cocoa cultivation, and industry experts believe Australia could establish itself as a
supplier of high-quality, sustainable cocoa. Reports suggest that with increased
investment, FNQ could produce 3,000 tonnes of cocoa annually. While this is small
compared to Papua New Guinea’s 40,000 tonnes, Australian-grown cocoa is valued
for its premium quality and ethical farming practices.
FNQ’s cocoa industry is still in its early stages, but it has significant potential.
Farmers are optimistic, with industry research showing that high-yield cocoa varieties
and efficient farming methods could make Australian cocoa more competitive on the
global market. Cocoa also offers environmental benefits compared to other tropical
crops such as sugar and bananas, as it contributes to biodiversity and soil health
while having a lower impact on the Great Barrier Reef.
Chocolate demand continues to rise, and with global supply struggling to keep up,
investment in local production could be a strategic move. While Australian cocoa
may never compete on volume with West Africa, it has the potential to carve out a
niche in premium markets. Noosa Chocolate Factory and other local businesses
recognise this potential, as sourcing Australian cocoa could provide long-term
stability and reduce reliance on imports.
As Easter approaches, the chocolate industry is at a turning point. Global cocoa
shortages will continue to shape the market, and while some Australian businesses
can keep prices steady for now, the future remains uncertain. Whether through
innovation in production, expansion of domestic cocoa farming, or shifts in sourcing,
the industry is adapting to ensure that chocolate remains an Easter tradition for
years to come.