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Chocolate has become more expensive in Belarus. The situation was commented on by Belgospischeprom
10.09.2024 09:05
Updated: 27.09.2024 21:06
Chocolate has become more expensive in Belarus. This is due to the rise in world prices for cocoa beans.
The situation on the global market, experts say, has also affected the republic, in particular, the work of domestic confectionery factories.
The Belgospischeprom concern responded to the current circumstances.
Historical record
Deputy Head of the Belarusian State Food Industry Concern Alexander Yakovchits reported what measures are being taken to stabilize the situation.
He also told the Belta agency correspondent whether a further increase in chocolate prices in the country is likely.
It is noted that over the past year, cocoa beans have become 60-70% more expensive worldwide, and since the beginning of this year, their prices have risen by another 150-160 percent.
In April 2024, a historical record for the cost of these products was recorded - more than 10,000 pounds sterling per 1 ton.
This level exceeded the previous record – from 1977 – by more than two times.
As of August 1, the price of cocoa beans fell slightly, but compared to August 1, 2023, it showed a 2-fold increase.
Prices in Belarus
Manufacturers are reacting differently to the price increase that has taken place, noted Yakovchits.
As an example, he cited data from Belstat: in July, the average price of imported chocolate in the country increased by 17.5% compared to July 2023.
At two factories of the concern - Spartak and Kommunarka - over the first 7 months of this year, the increase in prices for the candy and chocolate group amounted to about 5% compared to the level of December 2023, the specialist said.
He added: enterprises are currently actively working to reduce costs.
At the same time, he warned that since cocoa is the main raw material for chocolate, the main burden will fall on the profits of confectionery factories, which are predicted to decrease.
But still, given the fact that domestic factories have prepared in a timely manner for the seasonal increase in demand, chocolate buyers will still have a variety of assortments, summed up the deputy head of Belgospischeprom.
