主要原料可可价格飙升，玛氏、费列罗两大巧克力巨头齐齐涨价

Core Viewpoint - Mars and Ferrero are preparing to raise prices on their chocolate products due to soaring cocoa prices, with Mars increasing prices by 4.9% to 15% on certain items, while Ferrero plans a slight increase for its Kinder brand in June as part of operational adjustments [1][2][4]. Group 1: Price Increases - Mars has confirmed price increases on certain products, with a range of 4.9% to 15% [4]. - Ferrero's Kinder chocolate products will see a slight price adjustment in June, attributed to market conditions [2][4]. - Other chocolate brands are also planning price hikes due to rising raw material costs, indicating a broader trend in the industry [6]. Group 2: Market Context - The chocolate market in China is projected to reach approximately 23 billion yuan in 2024, with Mars and Ferrero holding over 60% market share [2]. - Cocoa prices have surged significantly, with futures rising from about $3,600 per ton at the beginning of 2024 to approximately $11,200 per ton by December 2024 [7]. - The average trading reference price for cocoa was reported at $8,400.6 per ton as of May 6, 2024, down from $11,984 per ton in December 2023, but still high compared to $4,200 per ton at the start of 2024 [8]. Group 3: Industry Response - Major chocolate brands like Hershey and Mondelez have also raised prices in response to cocoa cost increases, with Hershey indicating that price hikes contributed to sales growth [11]. - Nestlé has reported price increases for its KitKat and Nespresso brands to counter rising coffee and cocoa costs [11]. - The overall chocolate market is experiencing pressure to raise prices as brands deplete their stockpiled cocoa from previous years, leading to a widespread adjustment in pricing strategies [8][11].