Why Chocolate Prices Are Spiking This Valentine’s Day

Chocolate prices are surging ahead of Valentine’s Day, with costs up 14.4 percent from a year earlier, according to market data. Analysts say the spike reflects lingering fallout from a global cocoa shortage that drove bean prices to record highs in 2024.

Poor harvests in West Africa, which supplies most of the world’s cocoa, sharply reduced supply while demand stayed steady. Although cocoa prices have recently fallen, retail chocolate remains expensive because manufacturers bought beans months ago at peak prices.

"Consumer prices for chocolate have spiked 14.4% year-over-year during the January 1st to early February window, according to market intelligence firm Datasembly." https://t.co/zBCtTqCUIi

— News 8 Now (@news8news) February 13, 2026

Some U.S. cities are seeing even steeper increases, with prices rising close to 20 percent in parts of Texas and California. Experts expect relief to come later this year as cheaper cocoa filters through supply chains.

President Donald Trump exempted cocoa from tariffs, limiting added cost pressures. Still, candy prices are rising faster than overall inflation, adding to consumer frustration during a key holiday spending season.

Also Read:

U.S. Customs Duty Revenue Hits Record $288 Billion

The U.S. collected a record $288 billion in customs duties over the past year, more than triple the level seen just a few years ago. Higher tariffs and increased import values have sharply boosted government revenue from trade taxes.

tippinsightsTIPP Staff

Small Business Tax Burden Varies Widely By State

A small business earning $100,000 in profit can face tax bills ranging from roughly $21,000 to over $30,000 depending on the state, highlighting major differences in tax burdens across the country.

tippinsightsTIPP Staff