Chocolate and Valentine's Day

Chocolate has long been a staple of Valentine's Day gifting. Due to abnormal weather for the third year in a row, cocoa harvests are coming up short - 13% lower than just last year - which has led to continued supply shortages and price increases. According to David Branch, an agricultural industry analyst at the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, the world's supply of cocoa is having its worst shortage in 60 years. In December 2024, cocoa prices soared to $12,646 per metric ton - about three times higher than they were at the beginning of 2024.

While this price surge has led to higher retail prices for chocolate products, shoppers so far don't seem too disheartened: chocolate sales are still rising, despite the higher prices. "Consumers quote chocolate as one of their indulgences that they cannot live without," CEO Dirk Van de Put of Mondelez (which owns Cadbury and Toblerone) told investors last week.

Bakeries and other companies that don't have to use chocolate are focusing more on other flavors. Big manufacturers are pushing shoppers toward chewy, gummy, or other less-chocolatey candy. One example is KitKat, which has launched cinnamon toast and Neapolitan flavors that don't require a chocolate dip.

If you don't want to go with a sweet treat for your sweetie, think about a savory gift. There are local places that will make a specialized charcuterie or cheese board, and even a place in Memphis that makes lots of different flavors of popcorn!

Don't forget to consider some non-food items as well: personalized jewelry, home decor, tech gadgets, sports gear, and games are popular choices. Some of my favorite non-food gifts include experiences (museum, paint pottery) and Lego flowers. This year, my son is getting a coupon book with coupons for things like "Chick-fil-A for dinner," "picnic at the playground," and "invite a friend to the movies." Since restaurants are usually really busy around Valentine's Day, my husband and I like to pick a new fancy recipe to make at home - something that we wouldn't normally pick for a weeknight dinner meal.

Remember, the most meaningful gifts are those that reflect the recipient's interests and show the thought and care you put into selecting them. Whether you opt for sweet treats or something else, your gesture of love is sure to make this Valentine's Day special.