The average retail price of a 250-gram block of chocolate in supermarkets and stores in October rose to $5.05, up from $4.89 in October 2023. Statistics NZ data released last week (which does not identify specific brands) but is lower than the 2024 peak of $5.58 in July.

Whittaker’s November announcement marks the fourth time it has increased its prices in two years, with an increase reportedly occurring before in may.

Inside March 2023 Countdown was selling Whittaker’s 8-ounce chocolate blocks for $6Competitors Pak’nSave and New World price theirs at $5.49 (discounted) and $7.09, respectively.

In February 2022, you can pick up a block from New World for $5.49, down from $4.69 a year ago.

in 2006 one block can set you back up to $3.28 at some retailers.

Whittaker’s explained the latest price increase as a direct result of rising costs and admitted it would be difficult for some customers to accept.

A spokesman for Whittaker said: “We are increasing prices as little as we can to offset the ongoing production cost increases we are facing, but we understand this is still significant.” reporter on Friday.

“A particular challenge is the ongoing global cocoa shortage, which affects the entire supply environment and the cost of all cocoa and continues to push up all chocolate prices.

“Eventually, there comes a point where it is no longer possible to continue to absorb this cost increase without compromising our commitments to quality and ethical sourcing.”

Harvest decreased by 40% compared to 2023 due to weather conditions, Cocoa prices increased rapidly this year; By August, global cocoa prices had tripled by 150% by 2022.

The company hoped Kiwis would agree that a price increase was “preferable” over any changes to “our product size, recipes, range, use of the best ingredients, commitment to ethical sourcing or where we make our chocolate”.

reporter‘s questions regarding the exact amount of the new RRP were left unanswered by Whittaker.

Further price increases next year cannot be ruled out, as Whittaker says it has limited control over production costs, which “directly” affects its prices.

“We cannot predict the timing of future price increases. What we can say is that we always aim to keep prices as stable as possible.”

The company announced the rise on Facebook. Some commenters said the price had “already gone up too much” and that they would look at alternatives. “Unless it’s a very special occasion, it looks like chocolate will now be off the shopping list.”

Others supported the decision and communication. “Thank you for being open and honest and not quietly/secretly downsizing the bars.”

“I love your chocolate and this is how you inform us about the price increase,” said another. “I will still buy it no matter the price.”

Many have expressed their loyalty to the New Zealand brand, which the Whittaker family dates back to 1896.

“As long as you continue to make the products we know and love, we will remain loyal and buy. “We’ll still buy Whittaker’s chocolate, although maybe not as often as before,” read the comment.

“This is completely understandable and you are doing all the right things. I will continue to enjoy my four frames every night; a ritual that makes life worth living,” said another.

The price increase to consumers reflects the cost of doing business in the chocolate industry.

earlier this month Spin offSpeaking to local chocolate expert Luke Owen Smith, Gabi Lardies suggested higher prices could be the new normal for the category. Historically low prices for the beans “make it very difficult for cocoa farmers to make a decent living,” Smith said. and cheap chocolate represented “a deeply unfair and unsustainable system.”

Pressures on cocoa bean farmers and their products, Latest announcement from Whittaker He said he would expand the use of resources.

In October, the company said it had been forced to diversify its cocoa supply chain, shifting from its sole source, Ghana, to beans from “a number of countries” in Africa, including Uganda and Ivory Coast. It said the beans, which are fully traceable and 100% Rainforest Alliance certified, meet “strict” ethical standards.

“The reality is that the global cocoa shortage looks set to continue, which will unfortunately have ongoing impacts on all chocolate prices well into the future,” said co-president of operations Matt Whittaker. told reporter.

The new blends will hit shelves later this year and are expected to appear in early December.

This follows the latest price increase ahead of the holiday season, when chocolate is frequently featured in shopping carts, gifts and holiday recipes.

For New Zealanders, chocolate is not a commodity whose price is increasing; olive oil remains expensive global olive oil shortage saw Eye-watering prices on imported varieties – And milk and butter both increased.

Emma Gleason This Herald’s deputy lifestyle and entertainment editor. He lives in Auckland and is interested in entertainment and culture.