Chocolate is a confectionary enjoyed across the globe, but it is also produced due to global cooperation. Below we will journey through the production and consumption of chocolate highlighting some of the countries that contribute.
Source of Cocoa
Let’s start at the beginning… Cocoa is the main ingredient in chocolate and is the processed form of cacao beans; the cacao beans are fermented and roasted to create cocoa. Cacao beans grow best between 10oN and 10oS of the equator as this provides the climate they need to thrive. 70% of the world’s cocoa beans are produced in Africa with a large proportion of this taking place in West Africa; two million West African farmers depend on this industry as a source of income. Ghana and Côte d’lvoire are estimated to produce 46% of Africa’s cacao beans, however this isn’t all positive as cacao product is the leading cause of deforestation in these countries.
Latin America is becoming an increasingly significant cocoa producer due to having younger trees, sustainable investment and favourable weather conditions. On the other side, Ghana and Côte d’lvoire are facing challenges of plant diseases and aging trees.
Manufacturing of Chocolate
Next in our journey is the manufacturing process… Although the main sources of cocoa are in Africa and South America, the main producers of chocolate are in Europe with 4 countries creating 43% of world’s total chocolate exports. These countries are Belgium, Italy, Poland and Germany. Belgium is the largest chocolate producer in the world and has a reputation for creating exceptional, smooth chocolate. Whilst Germany isn’t the largest producer of chocolate it is the largest exporter, generating 17% of the world’s chocolate.
Consumption of Chocolate
Finally in our journey the best bit… eating it! While chocolate is consumed all over the planet, some countries love it more than others. Switzerland is the largest consumer of chocolate per capita and known for the high-quality chocolate they produce. I am a huge chocolate lover and not alone in this as the UK is also a huge lover of chocolate with 95% of Brits eating chocolate, we are even one of the largest importers of chocolate. Other notable countries importing chocolate is France and the US.
Ethical Issues in the Chocolate Industry
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows in the chocolate industry with their being many ethical issues with the main ones being exploitation of cocoa producers and the environmental impacts. Farmers can often be underpaid and taken advantage of with little consequence to the companies. The chocolate production process also has significant environmental impacts such as CO2 emissions and deforestation. To ensure the chocolate you buy meets high ethical standards look for Fairtrade and Fair for Life certifications on the chocolate.