Rising cocoa prices and limited tariff relief are squeezing the South Bend Chocolate Company. President Mark Tarner tells WSBT-TV that record commodity costs-especially for imported cocoa-are cutting into profits and forcing the company to raise prices.

While recent exemptions cover some trade partners, key suppliers like the Ivory Coast still face tariffs.

Tarner, who sources cocoa from West Africa, says small businesses like his can’t absorb the extra costs.

With the holidays approaching, he hopes for stability but says profitability has dropped sharply since 2018.