Despite rising cocoa prices, Beerntsen’s Candies has announced that they are not significantly impacted. The company has been in the candy business for over 50 years and uses over 5,000 pounds of milk chocolate during the Easter season. The price increase in cocoa is due to a poor crop with estimates ranging from 28 to 40%. However, the company’s bulk chocolate prices are contracted for a year, so any price increases won’t affect them until later in the year.
According to CNBC, cocoa futures contracts for May deliveries have hit record highs, but Blake reassured customers that fluctuations in prices are normal and something he has experienced before. While some specialty chocolates have seen a slight increase in price, customers like Ann Smith admitted that they might adjust the contents of their Easter baskets if prices continue to rise. However, they still value supporting local businesses like Beerntsen’s.
Other customers, Molly and Julia Gutowski, shared that they wouldn’t be deterred by price increases especially when it comes to special treats like chocolate-covered Oreos. Blake encouraged customers to visit Beerntsen’s for all their chocolate needs as the store remains open daily to accommodate last-minute purchases. In conclusion, Blake emphasized that Easter is a chocolate-centric holiday and urged customers to visit Beerntsen’s for all their chocolate needs.