Skip to content
The Global Chocolate Shortage: What

The Global Chocolate Shortage: What's Happening and How We Can Help

Chocolate is something many of us turn to for comfort, celebration, or simply a moment of indulgence. But behind every bite is a complex global supply chain currently facing one of its most challenging periods in decades.

At the heart of this crisis are the cacao trees, the source of all chocolate, which are under severe strain due to a combination of climate, farming practices, and international regulation. As passionate chocolate makers and advocates for sustainable agriculture, we want to share what’s going on, and why this moment matters.

Why Is There a Chocolate Shortage?

Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the two countries that supply more than 60% of the world’s cocoa, are facing harsh conditions. Cacao trees are fragile, they require a narrow set of environmental conditions to thrive: steady warm temperatures, high humidity, rich soil, and the shelter of surrounding rainforest trees.

But recently, West Africa has suffered from extreme heat and devastating floods, leading to:

  • Shrivelling of cacao flowers before they can bear fruit
  • Mould and rot in cacao pods due to excess moisture

This has led to massive crop failures, reducing global supply and sending ripple effects across the entire chocolate industry.

A Glimpse of Hope: Learning from Brazil

There is good news. In Brazil, farmers are working with nature, not against it. By maintaining taller rainforest trees or planting new ones around cacao crops, they’ve created microclimates that stabilize temperature and humidity.

  • These agroforestry systems store 243 metric tonnes of carbon per hectare.
  • Cacao yields in these areas are almost double compared to traditional methods.

This model shows us that sustainable solutions do exist and can benefit both farmers and the planet.

Other Countries Facing Challenges

It’s not just West Africa. Countries across South America and Africa are dealing with:

  • Unpredictable wet and dry seasons that disrupt growing cycles
  • Overcrowded planting (2.4m vs. the recommended 3m spacing), leading to:
    • Dried-out roots in dry seasons
    • Excess humidity and mould in wet ones
  • Poor plantation management, such as:
    • Lack of maintenance between rows
    • Severe losses from rodents, up to 50% of pods lost to rats

When one region fails to meet demand, pressure falls on other countries to compensate—quickly leading to exhausted organic and sustainable supplies.

How This Affects Us (and You)

We proudly source our organic cacao from the Dominican Republic, but last year, many large commercial buyers, desperate to fill gaps left by African crop failures, bought up much of the organic cacao that we normally rely on.

This isn't just a business issue—it affects prices, product availability, and the entire ethical chocolate supply chain. Organic farmers, who once had stable markets, are now caught in unpredictable bidding wars.

The NATO/EU Connection: Changing the Rules

There’s also a regulatory side to this crisis. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) now requires that cocoa products not be linked to deforestation or land degradation.

While this is a positive step for the environment, it also:

  • Restricts new plantation development in deforested areas
  • Disqualifies some existing farms that don't meet these new standards

From December 30, 2024, any cacao not meeting these rules cannot be sold in the EU, tightening global supply even further.

So What Can Be Done?

We’ve been asking ourselves that same question and the answer is clear.

Yes, we’re very interested in helping cocoa production in Africa and beyond.

  • Agriculture is in our DNA
  • We believe in projects that serve the greater good
  • We’re committed to building a sustainable, ethical future for chocolate lovers everywhere

We’re currently exploring opportunities to support regenerative cacao farming, share knowledge, and invest in long-term solutions.

A Critical Moment

Cacao supply is expected to remain in deficit for at least the next 3 years. That makes this more than just a temporary blip.  It’s a call to action.

We’ll continue to keep you informed, and we deeply appreciate your support and understanding during this time. Every time you choose chocolate made with care, you are part of a much bigger story.

Together, we can help make that story a sweet one, for farmers, forests, and future generations.