Easter is a chocolate-centric holiday and Blake Beerntsen, who has been in the candy business for most of his life, is ready to meet the demand. Despite rising cocoa prices due to a poor crop, Beerntsen’s Candies is selling candies in anticipation of the holiday and their customers are not likely to stop purchasing altogether.

Blake shared that they typically use over 5,000 pounds of milk chocolate during the Easter season. He explained that the price hike in cocoa is due to a poor crop, with estimates ranging from a 28 to 40% increase. However, he mentioned that their bulk chocolate prices are contracted for a year, so any price increases wouldn’t affect them until later in the year.

According to CNBC, cocoa futures contracts for May deliveries have hit record highs, but Blake noted that fluctuations in prices are normal and something he has experienced before. While some specialty chocolates have seen a slight increase in price, customers like Ann Smith admitted that they might adjust the contents of their Easter baskets if prices continue to rise, but they still value supporting local businesses like Beerntsen’s.

Other customers, Molly and Julia Gutowski, shared that they wouldn’t be deterred by price increases, especially when it comes to special treats like chocolate-covered Oreos. Blake reassured customers that despite the rising cocoa prices, they shouldn’t fear for the availability of their favorite Easter chocolates at Beerntsen’s.

In conclusion, Blake emphasized that Easter is a chocolate-centric holiday and encouraged customers to visit Beerntsen’s for all their chocolate needs. The store remains open daily to accommodate last-minute purchases and Blake assures customers that they will have all their favorite Easter chocolates available at reasonable prices.