Scary News: ExpectHigher Prices for Halloween Candy. Thank the Weather in Africa.



Vaishnavi Sunder Raman - Oct. 2024





Halloween is almost here, and candy lovers might be in for a spooky surprise! The price of candy and chocolate is going up this year. According to a report from the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, the cost of cocoa — the main ingredient in chocolate — is rising because there’s a worldwide shortage. Most of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa, but changing weather patterns are causing problems. This year, heavy rainfall has led to diseases in cocoa plants, while drier and hotter conditions are blocking sunlight and affecting the crops. Because of these issues, cocoa production is expected to drop by 11%, according to the International Cocoa Organization in the Ivory Coast. Climate change is making it harder for farmers to grow cocoa beans, which is causing prices to rise just in time for Halloween. So, if you love candy, you might notice that it costs a little more this year!