A Global Chocolate Shortage?
December 16, 2011
Devastatingly, there has been a global shortage of cocoa beans. And this might be the reason for the skyrocketing of the price of chocolate in the near future.
Chocolate makers are thinking of different helpful strategies that can remedy the situation such as upping the amount of nuts, fillers, or any other ingredients just to bulk out chocolate candies.
The reasons behind this demand are said to be the rise in the popularity of cocoa in China, the spread of awareness about the many health benefits of chocolate, and the constant and rising demand for dark chocolate.
According to the editor of trade publication Kennedy's Confection, Angus Kennedy, the impending scarcity was the main subject in a recent industry summit. Also, he said that chocolatiers may opt for chocolate flavor substitutes that "don't melt in your mouth."
It has been predicted earlier this year that there is going to be a shortage of 'certified' cocoa or ethically farmed beans, since there has been issues these days about the sustainability of non-certified beans. "Now we are saying it doesn't matter what you call it – there's not enough." said Kennedy.
Cocoa bean experts are predicting a huge scarcity over the next eight years. As a matter of fact, they said we will be about a million tons short. According to these experts, a humongous–sized farm should be cultivated to satisfy demand.
In recent times, chocolate consumers have been raving about dark chocolate and all its benefits such as lowering blood pressure and its association with preventing certain heart disease. Chocolate manufacturers have been encouraging this trend as dark chocolate is a profitable product.
All we can do now is just enjoy the chocolate that we currently have and just hope for the best.
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