In the face of unprecedented global cocoa price increases, Noosa Chocolate Factory has pledged to keep its prices steady this Easter.
Recent reports indicate that cocoa prices have reached a 50-year high, with futures peaking at nearly US$12,000 per metric ton in the first half of 2024. This surge is primarily due to disappointing harvests in West Africa, which accounts for 70 per cent of the world’s cocoa production.
Despite these challenges, Noosa Chocolate Factory assured its customers that there will be no price hikes or compromises in quality this Easter.
In an open letter available on their website, general manager Nick Southon emphasises the company’s commitment to delivering handcrafted chocolates without passing on increased costs to consumers.
“We know Aussies have been feeling the pinch, with the cost of just about everything going up. But Easter is a time for chocolate lovers, and we believe it should stay that way.
“That’s why we’re committed to keeping our prices the same this Easter. No price hikes, no cutting corners, and no substitutes – just the same handcrafted, high-quality chocolate you know and love,” said Southon in the letter available on their website.
Southon attributes this stability to the company’s unique business model: producing chocolate in-house at their Noosa facility, managing direct deliveries to Maroochydore and Brisbane stores, and eliminating middlemen. This approach allows them to control costs effectively.
As the Easter rush begins, Southon says Noosa Chocolate Factory is gearing up to produce its much-anticipated 6kg Giant Easter Bunnies, each of which takes four hours to craft by hand. Alongside these show-stopping creations, the stores will be stocked with other Easter favourites, including chocolate eggs, chickens, and bilbies – all made fresh in-house.
While acknowledging the potential for future price adjustments due to ongoing market volatility, Southon reiterates the company’s dedication to providing high-quality chocolate at consistent prices during the upcoming Easter season.
