Will there be a chocolate drought? World’s supply of sustainable cocoa could run out by 2014

[WestVirginiaRebel]

UK Daily Mail:

The world faces a chocolate ‘drought’ over the next few years, an expert warned yesterday.

Political unrest in the Ivory Coast, where 40 per cent of the world’s cocoa beans are grown, has ‘significantly’ depleted the number of certified fair trade cocoa farmers.

Many have fled the West ­African country, while fair trade training programmes have also come to a halt.

Fairtrade training programmes have ground to a halt because of the danger farmers face in rural areas.

The situation is already affecting chocolate manufacturers, who are facing the highest cocoa prices for over 30 years.

Prices jumped by 10 per cent this month alone. Analysts are predicting they could soon hit $3,720 per metric tonne - a level last seen in January 1979.

It follows a curb on international cocoa exports initiated earlier this week by the country's new president, Alassane Ouattara.

Angus Kennedy, the editor of Kennedy's Confection and a leading British chocolatier, said chocolate producers are facing 'one of the biggest challenges to hit the industry in recent history'.

'Supplies of sustainable cocoa are set to run out, it's that simple,' he said.
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Cocoa is grown in other places. It's hardly in danger-except from those with economic agendas that ignore the reality of markets.

[pollyannaish]

I'm not worried yet—but I am pretty sure a chocolate shortage would cause serious riots in the US.

[Sabre86]

If the price goes up, then locations where it is or can be grown will increase production since it means and even bigger profit for them.

[Sanguine]

I'm pretty sure that Polly is correct.

[clearvision]

Crap... people are worried about the Tea Party... Now we need to worry about the Chocolate Party

[Rheo]

Now I not only have to stock up on light bulbs, but chocolate, too.

note to self...do not store together....or buy straws.

[pollyannaish]

Now I not only have to stock up on light bulbs, but chocolate, too.

note to self...do not store together....or buy straws.

 

I was just thinking I should probably send Mr. Pollyannaish to the store for an emergency supply. You know, in case the worst happens.

[Rheo]

Now I not only have to stock up on light bulbs, but chocolate, too.

note to self...do not store together....or buy straws.

 

I was just thinking I should probably send Mr. Pollyannaish to the store for an emergency supply. You know, in case the worst happens.

Oh honey, I sometimes, too, use that excuse to just get him out of the house.

 

hint....after you know he has made the crucial buy....that is when a DQ sundae is really good.

buys ya an extra 20 minutes to determine the next disaster that could hit.

 

What....it could!!!

[pollyannaish]

Now I not only have to stock up on light bulbs, but chocolate, too.

note to self...do not store together....or buy straws.

 

I was just thinking I should probably send Mr. Pollyannaish to the store for an emergency supply. You know, in case the worst happens.

Oh honey, I sometimes, too, use that excuse to just get him out of the house.

 

hint....after you know he has made the crucial buy....that is when a DQ sundae is really good.

buys ya an extra 20 minutes to determine the next disaster that could hit.

 

What....it could!!!