2025: A Look Back at the Year in Chocolate & Cocoa | #PSC 170 [updated]

By Clay Gordon | 19 days ago | | 9 min read

Original photo Michael Skok / Unsplash

Episode 170 of #PodSaveChocolate is a look back at the stories that shaped the Year in Chocolate, 2025. In Episode 171, I will look ahead to 2026. [updated]

When and Where to Watch

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This stream begins at 11:00 MST (10:00 PST, 12:00 CST, 1:00 pm EST), on Friday, Dec 26th, 2025.

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Overview - Episode 170

Episode 170 of PodSaveChocolate takes a look at stories about chocolate and cocoa that dominated headlines in 2025, as well as some that were under-reported.

Four Stories That Dominated 2025

1️⃣ the price of cocoa

The historic (in constant-dollar terms) price of cocoa moderated to some extent in 2025, but the impact of the prices reverberated throughout the industry. What were some of the ripples that were felt by chocolate fans of flavors, cocoa farmers, and everyone in between in the value chain?

MARKETS
“Global cocoa prices remain volatile as surplus forecasts for the 2025–26 cocoa season continue to be revised lower. While cocoa supply conditions have improved in parts of West Africa, production shortfalls in other origins and falling exchange-monitored stocks are keeping the global cocoa market highly sensitive to disruption.” Source: Cocoa Radar
Futures Prices / Futures Overview – Barchart.com
Graph – Trading Economics

1️⃣🅰️ The EUDR

The EUDR’s full effective implementation dates have been postponed by one year to December 30, 2026 (June 30, 2027 for small operators), with targeted simplifications adopted.

The EU has formally adopted a targeted revision that delays EUDR application by one additional year and streamlines compliance. Large operators now face a start date of December 30, 2026, while micro and small operators get an extra six months to June 30, 2027.

The revision also narrows the EUDR’s scope by removing printed products (e.g., books, newspapers [which are largely made from timber, which is covered by the EUDR]), introduces “downstream operators” with reduced obligations focused on traceability and notifications, and creates a simplified declaration regime for “micro and small primary operators” in low‑risk countries. The European Commission must deliver a simplification review by April 30, 2026; that review may inform further adjustments. ⁠

2️⃣ BC breakup

Less a dominating story than an end-of-the-year, seemingly out-of-the-blue thunderclap, the announcement that Barry Callebaut is thinking about spinning out its cocoa sourcing operations continues the complete overhaul of BC under its new management.

I talked about what’s happening under the new management in this episode.

3️⃣ alt.chocolate

The high price of cocoa has accelerated industry interest in chepar and less-risky alternatives to cocoa. What’s the status of these efforts? Are they good for consumers? Farmers? Chocolate?

4️⃣ heavy metals/food safety

Consumer Reports expanded its reportage on heavy metals in foods with a look at protein powders.

A measured response – understand the why, and what you can do to protect yourself in the kitchen.

Under-Reported Story

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Theobromine is associated with slower epigenetic aging
Theobromine, a commonly consumed dietary alkaloid [found in] cocoa, has been linked to extended lifespan in model organisms and to health benefits in humans, according to the abstract of a new paper. [The authors] examined associations between circulating levels of theobromine intake, measured using serum metabolomics, and blood-based epigenetic markers of biological ageing in two European human population-based cohorts. [The] findings indicate that the reported beneficial links between theobromine intake on health and aging extend to the molecular epigenetic level in humans.

Just for Fun

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Emergency Chocolate
A recent survey found that 36% of North Americans bring “emergency chocolate” to holiday events and family gatherings to cope with stress. The survey, which polled 1,000 consumers, also reveals that 59% turn to chocolate and candy as their go-to form of self-care during the holiday season, and 67% plan to eat more candy and sweets in December compared with October.

I appreciate his correlation of ratings with specific cars.

Note: Unfortunately, Babish is not up on what makes a good chocolate good tasting. And the selection of chocolates is underwhelming and far from “every” bar.

So – would I use Babish’s rankings here to guide my purchases? (TL;DR – no. PSC Ep 169 looks at three more rubrics; the NYTimes Wirecutter approach is measured and consistent and, ultimately, more useful and usable.)

The Epicurious panel format is engaging to watch, but the list of chocolates being tasted is also disingenuous, and there is completely unnecessary drama (over“acting”) at the reveals.

Comments? Questions?

If you have questions or want to comment, you can do so during the episode or, if you are a ChocolateLife member, add them in the Comments below at any time.

Episode Hashtags and Socials

#cocoa #cacao #cacau
#chocolate #chocolat
#specialtychocolate #craftchocolate #beantobar
#PodSaveChoc #LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife

Future Episodes

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Tuesday, December 30th
2026: The Year Ahead

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Friday, January 2nd
TBD

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