ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Buying your Halloween candy might feel more like a trick than a treat this year. 

Cacao prices have been rising due to several factors, including tariffs. 

What You Need To Know

The owner of Schakolad Chocolate Factory in St. Petersburg said cacao prices have gone up due to weather

At the same time, tariffs have caused about a 7% increase 

Packaging prices have also gone up, the owner said

To combat the increases, Schakolad Chocolate Factory is looking into different suppliers

One chocolatier in St. Petersburg is dealing with a nearly 50% increase. 

What can be sweeter than owning a chocolate factory?

“I call myself Wilhemina Wonka, or the chocolate lady,” said Jane Rakestrawm, owner of Schakolad Chocolate Factory.

Rakestraw said Schakolad Chocolate Factory is the oldest chocolate shop in Tampa Bay.

“We specialize in handcrafted luxury chocolates specifically for holiday gifts, where we can brand a business in chocolate,” Rakestraw said.

Since 2024, Rakestraw said some chocolate makers have had to increase their prices by 40%. Rakestraw said that’s because of weather conditions where cacao is grown. At the same time, she said tariffs are also increasing her cost of goods by an additional 7%.

“I’ve owned multiple franchises before, and I’ve never seen anything like a 47% increase in my cost of goods, that’s huge,” she said.

To deal with the increase, Rakestraw said, they are shopping smarter, changing their product line and increasing the cost of their products.

“We are adjusting our prices accordingly while still making the chocolate accessible and also keeping our margins where they need to be so we can be a sustainable business,” Rakestraw said.

Tariffs have also increased the price of packaging — she said it’s more than doubled. 

“When your cost of goods goes up 40, 50%, you have to raise your prices or you’re not going to be in business very long,” Rakestraw said.

They are still fine-tuning their changes and looking at new packaging and different suppliers for certain imported goods.

“We don’t have a huge corporate safety net. So, we are who we are, and buy local,” she said.

Rakestraw is hoping prices come down, but for now they’ll continue making adjustments when needed.

President Donald Trump has said that foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency. The White House has said the president imposed tariffs to strengthen the U.S. economy and to protect American workers.

In November, the Supreme Court will consider whether Trump has the power to impose sweeping tariffs.