Outraged Kazakhstan resident voices concerns over high cost of domestic chocolates
In Kazakhstan, a sudden increase in the price of domestic chocolate has left residents questioning the reasons behind the hike and expressing their dissatisfaction. The incident, reported by Liter.kz, has sparked a conversation on the Kazakh internet, with a video of a woman complaining about the high prices going viral.
The woman, in the video, recalls that just this spring, a popular chocolate bar was sold for 500 tenge. However, the current prices are so high that there's no money left for other things. The comments suggest a concern about the affordability of food in Kazakhstan.
The surge in chocolate prices is largely due to a significant rise in the cost of imported chocolate products, especially from Kazakhstan's major supplier, Russia. Despite a slight decline in the volume of chocolate imports by about 64 tons in early 2025 compared to the previous year, the monetary value of these imports rose by 32.6%, indicating a sharp increase in the unit price of imported chocolates.
This price rise is linked to broader global trends in cocoa prices and supply. Major cocoa-producing countries have increased producer prices significantly, such as a major cocoa producer raising prices from $3,100 to $5,040 per ton in mid-2025. The cocoa market has also seen volatility, with factors such as supply tightness and sustainability concerns keeping cocoa powder and chocolate ingredient prices relatively high.
Kazakhstan spends over $203 million on chocolate imports in the first half of 2025, with Russia accounting for about $118 million. Imports from other countries like Ukraine, Turkey, and Germany have also contributed to total costs rising despite slightly lower import volumes.
The impact on residents' budgets is significant. The increase in chocolate prices strains household expenses, particularly for frequent consumers of chocolate and related confectionery products. It potentially reduces discretionary spending on sweets, affecting consumer purchasing behavior and demand. Moreover, it contributes to inflationary pressure in the food sector, given chocolate’s part in confectionery and snack markets.
In summary, the spike in chocolate prices in Kazakhstan is driven by increased import prices mainly from Russia amid global cocoa market fluctuations and higher raw material costs. This price rise directly impacts residents by increasing their spending on chocolate, potentially tightening household budgets for non-essential goods.
The surge in the price of chocolate, a fundamental component of numerous residents' lifestyles and food-and-drink preferences, has led to concerns about personal-finance management in Kazakhstan, as the increase strains household expenses and potentially reduces discretionary spending. The rise in the cost of imported chocolate, particularly from Russia, is linked to broader global trends in cocoa prices and supply, causing a significant impact on residents' budgets.
