If you’re noticing higher prices while stocking up on Halloween candy this year, you’re not alone. From national retailers to local sweet shops, the cost of your favorite seasonal treats is on the rise — and even longtime Bakersfield businesses are feeling the pinch.
At Sweet Mae’s Sweet Tooth, a beloved Kern County candy shop that’s served the community for over 15 years, handmade favorites like caramel apples, Rice Krispie treats, and chocolates are flying off the shelves this time of year. But this season, customers are also being met with something new: steeper price tags.
“We had to raise all our prices two months ago — 10% on everything,” said Gary Sanrini, owner of Sweet Mae’s.
The Cocoa Crisis and Inflation Collide
The price hike isn’t just a local trend. A major factor behind rising candy costs is the soaring price of cocoa. With more than 70% of the world’s cocoa grown in West Africa, a significant drop in production — coupled with ongoing inflation and global supply chain issues — is driving up chocolate prices across the board…