Why chocolate is starting to become worth its weight in gold

A study has revealed that the main climate threat to cocoa crops is not heat or drought, but excessive rainfall. Scientists found that intense rains during the flowering and fruit formation periods cause the most damage, particularly in Ghana. This has already led to rising chocolate prices and changes in its composition.

A new study, reported by Gizmodo, has found that the main climate threat to cocoa crops is not extreme heat or drought, but excessive rainfall. Scientists compared cocoa yield data from different regions of Ghana with daily temperature and precipitation records. The analysis showed that intense rains were the most significant factor reducing yields. Heavy rains cause the most damage during the flowering and young fruit formation periods, disrupting these processes and increasing the risk of fungal infections. In Ghana, the most dangerous period was heavy rains from April to June. Scientists found a similar pattern in Ecuador and Indonesia. Global warming, by increasing the atmosphere's capacity to hold water vapor, raises the likelihood of more intense downpours. For consumers, the consequences are already visible: after a sharp rise in raw cocoa prices in 2024, manufacturers have begun raising prices, shrinking chocolate bars, and changing chocolate recipes.