This year, Easter chocolate has become more expensive again, all due to a sharp rise in cocoa prices. At its peak in 2024, a ton of raw materials cost more than $12,000 (US), now it is about $8,000, which is still four times higher than the 2022 level.

Manufacturers are forced to raise prices to maintain quality. Daniel Poncelet, owner of Daniel Chocolates from Vancouver, says that his chocolate Easter bunny has doubled in price in two years. "We cannot offer a lower-grade product - we will lose customers," he said.

According to StatCan, prices for sweets increased by 5.7% in March compared to last year - faster than overall inflation. The reason is the climate: crops are suffering from heat and rain, some farmers are switching to other crops.

Large companies, including Mondelez (owner of Cadbury), are also losing profits. Small businesses are suffering even more.

Consumers are buying less and are looking for promotions more often. But on holidays, like Easter, people are still willing to spend. The strategy of “saving on one thing, spending on another” is popular, for example, buying Lindt in a dollar store.

Manufacturers are offering options: smaller sizes, different price categories and chains’ own brands. There is hope for price reductions in the second half of the year, when new contracts come into force.