Core Viewpoint - Louis Vuitton's chocolate store in Shanghai will close on August 10, 2025, marking the end of its operational cycle, with no immediate plans for relocation or reopening in China [1][3]. Company Summary - The chocolate store, which opened on July 22, 2022, was Louis Vuitton's first chocolate specialty store in China and the third globally, following locations in Paris and Singapore [6]. - The store featured products designed by Michelin pastry chef Maxime Frédéric, with prices ranging from 240 yuan to 3200 yuan, and became popular on social media as "LV's cheapest item" [6][5]. - Despite the closure, Louis Vuitton will continue to operate chocolate stores in Paris, Singapore, and New York [1]. Industry Summary - The chocolate industry is facing challenges due to high cocoa prices, which have led several companies to increase prices, reduce packaging sizes, and enhance supply chain resilience [11][13]. - Cocoa prices have remained high due to supply chain vulnerabilities, climate change, and long-term investment issues in major producing countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana [11]. - Companies like Ferrero and Mars have already implemented price increases in response to rising raw material costs, with adjustments ranging from 6% to double-digit increases [13][14]. - The trend of luxury brands entering the food and beverage sector aims to enhance brand experience and attract a broader consumer base, potentially leading to future purchases of core luxury products [9].

Group 1 - The global cocoa production regions, Ghana and Ivory Coast, have faced continuous poor harvests due to climate change, leading to a significant increase in cocoa futures prices over the past two years [1][3] - Currently, cocoa prices remain high despite a decrease from their peak, directly impacting chocolate production costs, prompting major chocolate brands in the U.S. to announce price increases [1][3] - As of this week, cocoa futures prices are at $7,380 per ton, down from a peak of $11,984 in December last year, but still up 121% compared to two years ago [3] Group 2 - The average price of chocolate bars in the U.S. has risen from $2.43 in July 2021 to $3.45 recently, marking a 41% increase [3] - Major chocolate companies like Nestlé and Ferrero have announced price hikes, with Hershey indicating that its chocolate products' average prices may increase by double digits [3] - Concerns about tariff threats have emerged, particularly regarding a potential 21% tariff on cocoa and other products from Ivory Coast, although the implementation of this tariff was later suspended [5] Group 3 - The U.S. imports nearly $4.4 billion worth of chocolate, cocoa, and candy annually, while the members of the National Confectioners Association export about $2 billion worth of U.S.-made chocolate and candy each year [5]