Cacao Share Price: The Surge of a Superfood and Why It’s the New “Matcha Moment”

Cocoa’s Share Price Surge in 2024–2025

Over the past year, cacao (cocoa) has become one of the most talked-about commodities. In late 2024, cocoa prices soared past $12,000 per metric ton—quadrupling from average prices in the previous decade, which hovered between $2,000–$3,000/ton. In 2025, though prices have eased, they remain dramatically elevated compared to historical norms, trending in July 2025 between $8,000–$10,000/ton, roughly 12% higher than the previous year and far above pre-2024 levels.

This explosive rise was caused by a “perfect storm” of climate impacts (poor West African harvests), global supply chain disruption, and surging demand for premium, traceable, and ceremonial-grade cacao. Although prices have retreated from their all-time highs, volatility remains, and the commodity is still a case study in how weather and consumer trends can transform an agricultural market.

“The Next Matcha”: Cacao’s Wellness & Lifestyle Appeal

Cacao is increasingly being marketed—and consumed—as a wellness superfood, with a cultural trajectory likened to matcha’s meteoric rise. Both are prized for their ritual, purity, health Halo, and Instagram-ready presentation. Whereas matcha (now a $4.3 billion global market) capitalized on health-conscious consumers looking for an alternative to coffee with benefits like antioxidants, calm focus, and unique aesthetics, cacao is following suit. It’s rich in flavonoids, magnesium, and mood-lifting compounds, making it popular in everything from cafes to wellness retreats.

Similarities to Matcha’s Trend:

• Wellness Focus: Cacao ceremonies and “ceremonial-grade” claims echo matcha’s health narrative.

• Premiumization: Artisanal, single-origin, and traceable supply chains (backed by third-party lab testing) are driving a cacao renaissance among young and health-prestige consumers.

• Versatile Applications: Like matcha lattes, cacao drinks, snacks, and supplements are growing rapidly throughout Europe and North America.

• Social Media Buzz: TikTok and Instagram have seen surges in ceremonial cacao trends, mirroring matcha’s digital virality.

Cacao Products Gaining Ground

• Starbucks, independent cafes, and wellness centers are now offering cacao drinks alongside (or instead of) matcha lattes.

• Brands like Sayuri and KitKat are blending cacao and matcha, illustrating combined demand and flavor crossover in the premium confectionery space.

• High-end artisanal chocolates use ceremonial cacao for its perceived health, flavor, and ethical sourcing—catering to a new demographic seeking both indulgence and wellness.

Is the Cacao “Matcha Moment” Here?

Cacao’s global market is forecast to reach $14.5–$16.6 billion in 2025, with projections up to $31.9 billion by 2035 (CAGR: 4.7%–8.2%). Premium cacao (including ceremonial and high-fermentation types) is the fastest-growing segment, supported by consumer demand for traceability, organic credentials, and unique health benefits.

Cacao is appealing to Gen Z and Millennials, not just as chocolate but as a functional, mood-boosting, experience-rich superfood—fulfilling the same needs that made matcha a global sensation, from premium cafes in Dublin to trendy boutiques in New York.

References (Inline)

All data in this article references recent market analyses and industry news, including commodity price data from Trading Economics and Capital.com, trend and wellness reporting from FoodNavigator and TrendHunter, and market forecasts from Future Market Insights and the International Cocoa Organization.