Cocoa reaches the biggest price increase in the last 50 years, driven by climate problems | Brazil

The recent rise in international cocoa prices has generated significant impacts on the Brazilian chocolate industry, especially during the Easter period. In an interview with Jornal da CBN, Jaime Recena, Executive President of the Brazilian Association of the Chocolate, Peanut and Candy Industry (Abicab), talks about the challenges and opportunities faced by the sector.

Recena highlighted that cocoa reached its biggest price rise in the last 50 years, driven by climate problems in the main producing countries, such as Ghana and Ivory Coast. Although Brazil produces around 80% to 90% of the chocolate consumed in the country, there is still a need to import 10% to 20% to meet domestic demand.

Given this scenario, the sector has sought to increase its productivity, aiming for self-sufficiency and even a return to the cocoa export market. The Inova Cacau Plan, launched at the end of last year, aims to double cocoa productivity by 2030, boosting the development of the national production chain.

Regarding expectations for sales this Easter, Recena mentioned that several manufacturers project a significant increase, highlighting the strategy of licensed products. According to him, the presence of toys or gifts alongside Easter eggs has proven crucial to boosting sales, with Cacau Show betting on licensed products, such as Harry Potter, to attract consumers of different age groups.

“Today, chocolate is a gift item; you can find it in the most diverse formats, from the bar, the candy, to the egg, which is a great highlight of this Easter moment, of celebration, of rebirth, of family get-togethers. So, the sector seeks to be present at all these moments, in different ways, always bringing a lot of innovation and adding value to chocolate.”

Regarding changes in consumers’ tastes over time, Recena observed that, in most cases, it is tastes that evolve, but the affective memories associated with childhood chocolates remain. He highlighted the importance of consuming chocolate in a balanced way and within a healthy diet, recommending moderation.