As Halloween creeps closer, it’s not just ghosts and goblins sending shivers down your spine – it’s the candy prices at the checkout! This year, you might notice that your favorite chocolate bars and sugary treats are more expensive, and there’s a spooky reason behind it.

According to foodmanufacturing.com, rising prices for key ingredients like cocoa and sugar are driving up the cost of your Halloween stash. Nidhi Jain, a specialist at the Smart Cube, explained that supply chain issues and bad weather have made it harder to get these sweet essentials.

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Cocoa Prices Are Through the Roof
If you’re a chocolate lover, brace yourself: cocoa prices have doubled in 2024. The problem starts in West Africa, where Ivory Coast and Ghana produce about 60% of the world’s cocoa. These countries have faced tough weather conditions, including dry spells followed by heavy rains, which made cocoa crops vulnerable to disease. Farmers have had to spend more on fertilizers and pesticides to protect their crops, adding to the production costs. As a result, the global cocoa market is expected to face a shortage, with prices staying high through the festive season.

Sugar Isn’t So Sweet Either
Thanks to supply issues in Brazil and India, two of the world’s biggest sugar producers, sugar prices are also rising. Brazil’s sugarcane crops are struggling with dry weather, and India’s production is set to drop due to reduced acreage and a continued ban on sugar exports. Add in La Niña, which could worsen weather conditions in Brazil, and you’ve got a recipe for higher sugar prices.

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How to Get the Best Deal on Halloween Treats
To avoid the price shock, do some price-checking before you buy. Compare deals at different stores, use coupons, and look for bulk deals. You can still treat the neighborhood with a little extra effort without spooking your budget!

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