CLEVELAND (WJW) -- This Halloween, candy prices are giving some shoppers a scare -- especially chocolate, which is creeping to new highs.

“The cocoa prices are just off the chart, and it’s the main ingredient for chocolate,” said Tom Scheiman, CEO of B.A. Sweetie Candy Co. on Brookpark Road in Cleveland.

Scheiman said even giant wholesalers like Sweeties that offer one of the largest varieties of candy in the world are feeling the pinch.

“The chocolate bar increases are substantial. We’re seeing about a 20% increase this year on our pricing on chocolate,” he said. “So this KitKat bag sells for $8.99, last year it was $6.99.

There are a number of factors causing the high prices, including a volatile cocoa market, supply chain issues, deforestation and some tariffs.

But the biggest issu

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