The main cause of chocolate is a sharp increase in cocoa prices in the world. The records of this raw material, which is necessary for the production of chocolate, break records. The price of a ton of cocoa has exceeded $ 11,000 in recent months. This means more than two times in comparison with last year.
This is primarily related to the deteriorating weather situation in West Africa. It is them – mainly the ivory and ghana coast – they are responsible for over 60 percent. world production of cocoa. Drushes, cocoa trees and insufficient crops translated into raw material deficiencies. In addition, energy and transport costs increased. This directly affected higher cocoa prices.
When prices are rising and consumers are reluctant to look at more expensive foodstuffs, producers are forced to reach for quick solutions. Some change the composition of products, which does not gain customer sympathy. Others decide on the so -called Downsizing. This is a strategy in which the product weight decreases without changing its price or the appearance of the packaging.
In practice, therefore, the chocolate board costs the same as before, but instead of 100 grams it weighs only 90 or 85 grams. On the store shelf will look familiar, the price will also be “the same”. The consumer will not notice the change right away, but in the long run he will not be happy with such a solution.
In Poland, the trend of downsizing is becoming more and more visible – Not only chocolate plates are reduced, but also butter, candy bars, yogurt and even toilet paper.
Source: NowowoPuje.pl, Observatory
