Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

As prices for everyone's favourite sweet treat soar, chocolate makers are searching to find cheaper alternatives.  A Rabobank report reveals manufacturers are exploring ways to replace cocoa beans, including lab-grown options, as climate pressures disrupt supply and make global cocoa prices rise.  Raglan Chocolate Head Maker Mike Renfree told Andrew Dickens the commodity price of cocoa has been double what it was in 2023, but it's mostly impacting the large multi-nationals.   He says it was $2 a kilo in 2023, went up to $12 a kilo in 2024 and 2025, and it's now lower down at $5, but there's a lag in the system.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.