Cocoa crisis: Climate change threat to chocolate

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Our Valentine’s Day box of chocolates is under threat due to extreme weather in the world’s key cocoa growing regions leading to spiking cocoa prices and an uncertain future for cocoa growers.

  • The cost of crisis
    400%

    Cocoa prices have risen 400% in recent years.

  • Extreme temperatures
    71%

    In 2024, 71% of cacao-producing areas had six extra weeks of 32°C+ days.

  • Cocoa’s heartlands under threat
    50%

    Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire produce over 50% of global cocoa.

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Amelia and Congcoop partner staff member Donaldo. Amelia shows him her plant nursery which is suffering due to the heat wave. Credit: A.Sheppey/Christian Aid
Amelia and Congcoop partner staff member Donaldo. Amelia shows him her plant nursery which is suffering due to the heat wave.

My plantations have been dying due to the lack of water, and in terms of how it’s affecting me, there is no food for my family. The cocoa trees are dying, which are usually very resilient. I’m actually not worried that it ‘may’ happen (climate related crop loss) it’s happening already.

- Amelia, a 24 year-old cocoa grower in Guatemala.

The UK government must carefully craft its approach to trade in a way that supports businesses and the livelihoods of the millions of small-holder farmers in low-income countries. This is what will deliver sustainability in our food supply chains.

- Alexander Carnwath, Head of Public Affairs at the Fairtrade Foundation.
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Aurelia's grandchildren, Sheny 9, Karla 7, holding cacao pods. Credit: A.Sheppey/Christian Aid
Aurelia's grandchildren, Sheny 9, Karla 7, holding cacao pods.
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Publication date:
12 February 2025
Themes - Area of work:
  • Environmental justice
Locations:
  • Global