Chocolate prices soar as bakeries prep for Valentine's Day

PEWAUKEE, Wis (CBS 58) -- Valentine's Day is this Friday, and bakeries are getting everything ready for the sweet day.

However, something not so sweet is the soaring food prices.

Sarah Stephens, owner of Beach Bum Bakery, says Valentine's Day is one of the busiest times of year.

"It's definitely one of the biggest. We work 12-to-15-hour days, we start about two weeks before Valentine's Day prepping all of our frosting, cookie doughs, and everything. Now we are just down to the wire," said Stephens.

She has been a professional baker for 15 years.

"It grew into a fun little home business, and eventually, we opened a storefront," said Stephens.

She says the start of 2025 has been tough.

"Right now, with the soaring grocery prices, it's a challenge."

While egg prices reach an all-time high, another main ingredient is also skyrocketing.

"This is one of the biggest hurdles that we are trying to overcome right now; Coco is the highest ever been," said Stephens.

According to the Producer Price Index, the cost of manufacturing chocolate has increased by more than 167% in the last two years.

Stephens says 50 pounds of chocolate from her supplier usually cost her around $130, but her last order was just priced at $348.

She recommends not being a last-minute customer and placing your orders ahead of time.

Order or learn more about Beach Bum Bakery here. Sign up for cookie decorating classes here.