The price of cocoa has been rising for months due to fears of shortages, and the boom has only accelerated in recent weeks. The New York futures market paid $10,047 for a tonne of the commodity on Tuesday.
There is panic in the cocoa market. A combination of either too dry or too wet weather and structural problems – such as older and diseased trees – are leading to smaller harvests in West Africa, where most of the cocoa comes from. “Farmers are often not paid enough to invest in new trees, which are more resistant to diseases than older trees. This is why a relatively small natural phenomenon such as too much rainfall has such a major impact on the harvest,” explains Declercq, who works for his opened his own studio, was active in international solidarity and worked at Oxfam, among others.
Fair price
A year ago, less than $3,000 was paid for a ton. This year alone, the cocoa price doubled. Not only poorer harvest conditions, but also stricter environmental regulations in the European Union are driving prices up.
“I have been paying the same amount for my cocoa for five years, namely $4,200 per tonne. While the market price for Haitian beans for black chocolate is estimated at $2,000. I only want to work with beans for which the farmers are paid correctly,” says Declercq . “Plus, they always deliver high-quality beans.”
Price increase
“I currently have some stock, but I will eventually have to make another purchase in a few months. I hope that the price will have stabilized somewhat by then, but I cannot say that with certainty,” he says. “Other chocolatiers probably still have stock, but in a few months the price increase will also be felt by consumers.”
“I hope that the price increase will ultimately benefit farmers so that they can continue their work and reinvest in new trees, because many farmers I have spoken to are now considering switching to rubber mining in order to make more money.” deserve,” he concludes.
Tags: Chocolatier Xavier Declercq expensive chocolate prices felt months
