“カカオショック”がバレンタインデーを直撃　天候不順による不作と歴史的な円安でこの2年間で4倍以上に｜TBS NEWS DIG

Summary

This year’s Valentine’s Day event at a Tokyo department store featured a range of chocolates, including exclusive creations by renowned international chefs. However, in addition to the chocolates, there were also curry dishes and freshly baked cookies, with baked goods occupying 30% more space than last year. The rising prices of chocolates, driven by unpredictable weather and the historic yen depreciation, have led to a steep increase in cacao costs, causing prices to surge. With chocolates becoming more expensive, some are considering alternatives like cookies or marshmallows. The market has adjusted by promoting domestic brands to counter rising transportation costs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Valentine’s Day product release in Tokyo department stores showcased a variety of colorful chocolates, including exclusive offerings by renowned overseas patissiers.
• 😀 This year, the trend wasn’t only about chocolates but also featured chocolate-based curry and freshly baked cookies.
• 😀 The variety of baked goods and non-chocolate items in stores increased by 30% compared to last year, reflecting changing consumer preferences.
• 😀 Rising chocolate prices are a key factor influencing the shift towards baked goods and other non-chocolate products.
• 😀 Due to extreme weather conditions and historical yen depreciation, the price of cacao has soared, with market prices more than quadrupling in the past two years.
• 😀 The increase in cacao prices directly affects chocolate prices, leading to a rise in the average price of a piece of Valentine’s chocolate to around 400 yen.
• 😀 The price hikes have led to more selective gift-giving, with consumers considering alternatives like cookies or marshmallows for those not in their closest circle.
• 😀 Department stores have responded by focusing on domestic brands to minimize shipping costs, offering a wider selection of domestic products.
• 😀 Despite the higher prices, the goal is to continue delivering high-quality chocolates, with adjustments to accommodate the current economic situation.
• 😀 The shift away from chocolates as just a tool for love confessions or obligatory gifts is evident, with the trend increasingly focusing on quality and selective gifting.
• 😀 This year, the question remains: Who will you give your Valentine’s gifts to, and what will you choose to send, given the rising costs?

Q & A

Why is the 2025 Valentine’s chocolate market different from previous years?

This year, there is a significant shift in the Valentine’s chocolate market. Besides chocolates, there are new products like curry made with chocolate and freshly baked cookies. The range of non-chocolate confections has increased by 30% compared to last year.

What are the reasons behind the increasing variety of non-chocolate confections this year?

The increased variety is due to several factors, including the high price of chocolates. The poor weather and historical yen depreciation have caused a sharp rise in the cost of cocoa, which directly impacts chocolate prices.

How has the price of chocolate been affected this year?

Chocolate prices have risen significantly. In fact, some premium chocolates now have price tags comparable to high-end Wagyu beef. The cost of cocoa has quadrupled over the last two years, contributing to this price surge.

What impact has the price hike in chocolate had on consumer behavior?

With the rise in chocolate prices, many consumers are reconsidering their purchases. Some people may choose to give chocolates only to their closest friends, or even opt for alternatives like cookies or marshmallows, especially for those they feel obligated to gift.

How are department stores adjusting to the rising chocolate prices?

To counter the rising chocolate prices, department stores are focusing on strengthening domestic brands, which help reduce transportation costs. Additionally, they have adjusted their product offerings to include more affordable options.

What is the average price increase of chocolates this year?

According to a survey, the average price of a piece of Valentine’s chocolate has risen to around 400 yen, and this upward trend is expected to continue.

What other products are becoming popular for Valentine’s Day gifts in light of rising chocolate prices?

In response to the rising chocolate prices, products like freshly baked cookies and other baked goods are becoming more popular as alternative gifts for Valentine’s Day.

How has the weather and currency fluctuations affected the chocolate market?

The unpredictable weather and the historical depreciation of the yen have significantly impacted the supply of cocoa, leading to a sharp increase in cocoa prices, which directly influences chocolate pricing.

What is the current situation of the chocolate market in Japan?

The chocolate market in Japan is facing rising prices due to increased cocoa costs, and the trend is expected to persist. Department stores are adapting by offering domestic alternatives and modifying their product lineups to cater to these changes.

How are companies trying to deliver affordable chocolates despite the high cocoa prices?

Companies are working to manage the rising costs while still providing delicious chocolates by focusing on sourcing from domestic brands to reduce shipping expenses, and by diversifying product offerings to include more affordable options.