It’s a bittersweet Easter for chocolate lovers and African cocoa farmers but big brands see profits

By FRANCIS KOKUTSE and JESSSICA DONATI
Associated Press

ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Shoppers may get a bitter surprise in their Easter baskets this year. Chocolate eggs and bunnies are more expensive than ever as changing climate patterns eat into global cocoa supplies and the earnings of farmers in Africa. Cocoa is the main ingredient in chocolate, and about three-quarters of it comes from trees in West Africa. Severe seasonal winds and heavy rainfall have cut the amount harvested in recent months. The global price of cocoa has soared to record highs. Farmers who harvest cacao beans say the increases aren’t enough to cover their lower yields and higher production costs. But big confectionery companies have maintained profit margins by raising chocolate prices.