Boo! Why chocolate prices are up this Halloween

CLEVELAND (WJW) — This Halloween, candy prices are giving some shoppers a scare — especially chocolate, which is creeping to new highs.

“The cocoa prices are just off the chart, and it’s the main ingredient for chocolate,” said Tom Scheiman, CEO of B.A. Sweetie Candy Co. on Brookpark Road in Cleveland.

Scheiman said even giant wholesalers like Sweeties that offer one of the largest varieties of candy in the world are feeling the pinch.

“The chocolate bar increases are substantial. We’re seeing about a 20% increase this year on our pricing on chocolate,” he said. “So this KitKat bag sells for $8.99, last year it was $6.99.

There are a number of factors causing the high prices, including a volatile cocoa market, supply chain issues, deforestation and some tariffs.

But the biggest issue has been heavy rains over the last few years that have destroyed much of the crops in West Africa, where most of the world’s cocoa is produced.

“It’s bad crops, it’s bad weather. I hear every excuse in the world, and I believe them,” said Scheiman. “And West Africa is pretty antiquated in their ways of doing things, and the major chocolate manufacturers are trying to work with these farmers to try and make them more efficient, but it’s still going to be years and years and years.”

Some manufacturers are trying to help out. The Hershey Co. said it would not raise Halloween candy prices.  To get the lowest price, shoppers should look for the Halloween wrappers.

“The prices being up doesn’t really surprise me. I think everything is right now and you just navigate it,” said Tara Russell, who came from Michigan to shop at Sweeties.

Fortunately, Scheiman says there are so many varieties of candy right now that even with the price hike, there is something for everyone’s budget.

 “It is absolutely affordable,” he said, “And what we see is they still want it, but they want to get something a little bit smaller.”