Chocolate Prices Could Rise as Result of Ebola

The Ebola outbreak in Western Africa could have an effect on the price of chocolate. Distributors may notice a spike in prices for edible gifts during the holiday season.

According to a report by The Telegraph, the price of cocoa rose 10 percent last month due to concerns that the virus could spread to the Ivory Coast, which is the world’s largest producer of cocoa. The virus has not affected the Ivory Coast, but it shares a border with Guinea and Liberia, which are two of the three countries most effected by the Ebola virus.

This region of Africa is responsible for 70 percent of the world's cocoa production, so any disruption would affect the chocolate market all over the world.