Featured Post

President Trump's Tariff Policies Cause Market Turmoil

on Literature
On April 4, 2025, President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies sent shockwaves through global financial markets, triggering widespread turmoil and stoking fears of an economic downturn. The administration’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs—ranging from a 10% baseline on all imports to targeted rates as high as 50% on key trading partners like China, Canada, and Mexico—marked a dramatic escalation in Trump’s long-standing pledge to reshape U.S. trade. While the president touts these measures as a means to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce the $1.2 trillion goods trade deficit, the immediate fallout has been a steep market sell-off, with the S&P 500 plunging nearly 5% in a single day, its worst performance since June 2020. The tariffs, unveiled in a White House address, aim to retaliate against perceived trade imbalances and practices like currency manipulation. Trump argues they will force companies to relocate production to the U.S., creating jobs and strengthenin...
0

Global cocoa prices at 40‑year high – what that means for Diwali chocolate

on
As Diwali 2025 approaches, Indian consumers are likely to feel the impact of soaring global cocoa prices, which have reached a 40-year high. This surge is attributed to factors such as climate change, crop diseases, and underinvestment in cocoa farms, particularly in West Africa, which produces a significant portion of the world's cocoa. 


🍫 Rising Chocolate Prices

The spike in cocoa prices has led to increased production costs for chocolate manufacturers worldwide. In India, companies like Amul and Smoor Chocolates have already raised prices to cope with the higher costs. Nestlé India is also considering slight price hikes to counter commodity inflation. 

🎁 Impact on Diwali Gifting

Chocolate has become an integral part of Indian festivals, with a 40% increase in sales of chocolate gift boxes during Diwali 2024 compared to the previous year. However, the current price surge may lead to higher costs for consumers and potential changes in gifting patterns. Manufacturers might reduce cocoa content or package sizes to manage costs, affecting the quality and quantity of chocolates available for gifting. 

🌱 Shift Towards Premium Chocolates

Interestingly, despite the price hikes, premium chocolatiers are experiencing increased demand. Consumers are opting for high-quality chocolates, valuing taste and craftsmanship over quantity. This trend indicates a shift in consumer preferences, with a focus on quality even amid rising prices.

🛍️ Consumer Outlook

With cocoa prices expected to remain high throughout 2025, consumers may need to adjust their expectations and budgets for chocolate purchases during Diwali. Exploring local artisanal brands or alternative gifting options could be practical approaches to navigate the festive season without compromising on the spirit of giving.




Literature

Comments

Post a Comment

Comment