Post-Valentine’s Day Reflections with The AgriDuo

Chocolate: Sweet but Costly

The Day After the Chocolates and Roses 💕

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, and we hope it was filled with love, laughter, and maybe a little farm-fresh flair. But now that the roses are wilting and the chocolates are (mostly) gone, let’s take a moment to reflect on the trends and economics behind some of Valentine’s Day’s biggest stars: chocolate, flowers, and wine.

Chocolate: Sweet but Costly

This year, chocolate came with a bittersweet aftertaste – and not just because of dark chocolate lovers! Cocoa commodity prices skyrocketed earlier last year and remain at significantly elevated levels due to a global cocoa shortage. These massive cost hikes are putting strong pressure on chocolate producers, who are likely to pass on the burden to consumers, resulting in higher retail prices.

Many chocolate companies hedge prices and supply contracts up to a year in advance, meaning that significantly higher chocolate prices were likely hit shelves into 2025. This creates a major challenge for the chocolate sector.

Rabobank has highlighted that the chocolate sector faces additional pressure from the upcoming EU regulation on deforestation. This regulation is anticipated to intensify supply and cost challenges for cocoa farmers and chocolate producers by imposing stricter traceability and compliance requirements, leading to higher production costs.

South African chocolate makers are no exception. With cocoa being a major import, the rising global prices and regulatory pressures have a direct impact on local chocolate production. Consumers may have as a result noticed higher prices on their Valentine’s Day treats this year

Roses: A Blooming Market

Fresh cut roses continue to be an integral symbol of Valentine’s Day, and South Africa plays both as an importer and exporter of this beautiful commodity. Here are some key trends from the past five years:

Imported Roses

South Africa imports a significant portion of its roses, with Kenya being the dominant supplier. In 2023, of the 1,310 tons of roses imported, Kenya accounted for a whopping 1,042 tons – a testament to its strong position in the flower export market. Other key suppliers include Zimbabwe Ethiopia, and Zambia.

Exported Roses

On the export side, South Africa shipped 328 tons of roses in 2023, an increase from 322 tons in 2022. This modest growth reflects steady demand from neighbouring countries and select international markets. Key importing markets include, Botswana, Mozambique, eSwatini, Namibia and Netherlands. These trends highlight the importance of regional markets in sustaining South Africa’s rose export industry.

Wine: A Toast to South African Excellence

No Valentine’s Day is complete without a glass of wine to celebrate love, and South African wines continue to be a strong contender on the global stage.

While total export volumes remained flat in 2024, export value in rand terms increased by 3% to R10.3 billion – a testament to the growing demand for premium, high-quality wines.

Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a promising year for the South African wine industry, with favourable growing conditions and improved irrigation practices contributing to higher-quality grape harvests. However, challenges like logistical bottlenecks, rising input costs, and climate change remain hurdles that the industry must navigate.

The Bigger Picture: Lessons from Valentine’s Day

What can we learn from these Valentine’s Day trends? For one, they highlight the interconnectedness of global agriculture. From the cocoa farms of Ivory Coast to the rose fields of Kenya and the vineyards of South Africa, the products we enjoy on Valentine’s Day are the result of a complex web of farmers, producers, and supply chains.

For consumers, this is a reminder to support local businesses and sustainable practices wherever possible. Choosing chocolates made with fair trade cocoa, flowers grown with eco-friendly methods, or wines from local vineyards can make a big difference – not just for the environment, but for the farmers who make these Valentine’s Day traditions possible.

Looking Ahead

As agricultural enthusiasts, we’re always fascinated by the stories behind the products we consume. Valentine’s Day may be over, but the trends we’ve observed – from premium chocolates to sustainable flowers and high-value wines – are here to stay. We’ll be keeping an eye on how these and other markets evolve in the months ahead, and we can’t wait to share more insights with you.

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From our hearts (and fields) to yours, thank you for joining us on this journey. Let’s keep growing together!

Love, Karabo & Conce 💕