The price of cocoa is surging, creating a ripple effect for chocolate makers across the country. Hershey announced this week that it plans to raise prices this fall, citing soaring cocoa prices. Local chocolate shops are also trying to sweeten the blow.

In a May earnings call, Michele Buck, president of The Hershey Company, said the candy company would lean into products that are "less Cocoa intensive" as it navigates the inflation of cocoa prices. This is part of the company's vision to become a "snacking powerhouse" Buck said.

Hershey, the maker of Reese’s, Whoppers, barkThins and other chocolate candies, said Wednesday that it will be raising U.S. retail prices later this fall. In some cases, pack sizes will get smaller; in others, list prices will rise. The average price increase will be in the low double-digit percentages.