The soaring price of cocoa, driven by poor harvests in West Africa, is putting Europe’s long-established chocolate brands at risk, with some facing the possibility of shutting down.
In Paris, À la Mère de Famille, the city’s oldest chocolate shop, has been a fixture in the ninth arrondissement since 1761. Despite changes in ownership over the centuries, the shop has remained a beloved part of the Parisian landscape, weathering both occupation and revolution thanks to the city’s deep-rooted love for confectionery.
Now in the hands of the Dolfi family, who took over in 2000, the historic chocolatier continues to thrive, offering more than 150 varieties of sweets, including nougat, pralines, and marzipan, through 16 locations across the French capital. “This is 100% a family business,” said Steve Dolfi, one of the four siblings managing the company. “We produce 100% of everything we’re selling.”
However, the rising costs of cocoa could soon threaten their ability to continue.
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