In the report, ‘Chocolate retail prices hit predicted highs — end of surge in sight’, the bank’s RaboResearch division found while there will be some respite from price increases, retail chocolate prices will remain well above pre-‘cocoa crisis’ levels, signalling a new normal for the industry. Chocolate makers adaptChocolate manufacturers and retailers have been adapting to the volatile market, balancing cost recovery with consumer retention, the report said. Joules said chocolate manufacturers are employing strategies like ‘shrinkflation’ and ‘skimpflation’ to protect margins without losing consumers. “The chocolate market is entering a new era of higher costs and persistent volatility, requiring agility and continuous adaptation from industry players. While the peak of chocolate retail price inflation may be behind us, the pressure remains, and the industry is hedging its bets for a resilient future.”