Handmade Chocolates
R
sebud
NEWS
Cocoa Crisis?
In a nutshell (pun intended) the demand for cocoa keeps growing and the land suitable to grow cocoa is decreasing, therefore cocoa prices are going up. But it is complicated…..
Prices have been steadily rising over the last decade. Since the end of 2022 it has doubled, reaching an all-time high in January 2024. This is partly due to increased demand in emerging nations like China and conflict in the countries where cocoa is grown. In addition, there is also a growing concern that global warming is having an impact on the land suitable for growing cocoa trees which need a cool climate to thrive. The risk of diseases, inconsistent rains and aging trees that yield fewer pods are seeing many farmers giving up their plantations.
Cocoa is mostly produced by small farmers in West Africa. Ghana and Ivory Coast grow about 60% of the world’s crop. Last season the El Niño weather pattern led to unseasonably high temperatures and rainfall that ravaged crops. Total rainfall in Ivory Coast’s cocoa-growing areas in 2023 was the highest in 20 years, according to Gro Intelligence, a data firm.
Add to all that the poor performance of Sterling against the Dollar and Euro and the added complications of Brexit, it is hardly surprising that we have seen such rapidly rising costs.
It all looks like doom and gloom. Well it could be but if cocoa producers focus on high quality production rather than mass plantations and invest in the communities that grow the crop, it would allow a better price for farmers, discourage child labour and encourage more diverse farming practices.
Not all cocoa produces think this way but I am pleased to say that Callebaut does.This is really important for me as I would not want to enjoy a luxury produced through the misery and hardship of others.
Callebaut has a sustainable programme in place which aims to improve the livelihoods of growers and support them in cultivating cocoa in a sustainable way, thus providing them with a better source of income and securing the future of cocoa farming, today and tomorrow. Find out more www.cocoahorizons.org
Refills!
Ever mindful of the bourgeoning landfill mountains I am starting a refill service.
Bring back your empty box and get a discount when you fill it with chocolates from the Rosebud Kitchen.
£1.25 off the x large box
£1 off the large box
75p off the medium box
50p off the small box
Recycling
Apart from reusing boxes you might like to know that I am looking into using more sustainable packaging.
The cardboard boxes for the chocolates and Easter eggs are already fully recyclable, the clear lids and inserts are PVC or PET and are recyclable however I am looking to change the inserts from black to clear as apparently this is more easily processed. Also I will be moving to compostable clear bags. I'll let you know when they come in.
The ribbon, alas, is not recyclable but is pretty and can be reused. Bring it back to me if you don't have a use for it.
Velvet
I have changed the white chocolate I use to Callebaut Velvet. It has a higher cocoa content and is not as sweet. The creamy well-balanced flavour was by far the preferred white when blind tested at the last chocolate tasting session.
So thank you for your feedback.
Price Increase
The price of cocoa has increased a staggering 482% since I revised my price in 2018. In that time cocoa has increased from $1854.3 per tonne in January 2018 to $9795 per tonne in March 2024. The poor performance of Sterling against the Dollar and Euro, and the complications of Brexit means many raw ingredients and packaging have also seen big price increases. Sadly I am going to have to pass some of that on, but am only increasing prices an average of just over 6%.
So here is the new price list
Filled chocolates
small (6 chocs) £5.95
med (12 chocs) £10.50
large (18 chocs) £14.95
X large (24 chocs) £18.50
Skinny Minis
18 thins £5.75
Decadent Box
12 filled and 18 thins £15.95
The Skinny Minis and the Decadent Box have 2 extra thins so you are getting more in each selection. Want to know why?