The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #98861   Message #2679338
Posted By: Q (Frank Staplin)
13-Jul-09 - 03:39 PM
Thread Name: BS: Will YOU stop eating chocolate?
Subject: RE: BS: Will YOU stop eating chocolate?
Mrzzy, yes I remember when Cote d'Ivoire was pointed out as an example for other sub-Saharan regimes. Its descent into chaos is a very sad tale.

Most chocolate is purchased on the commodity market, and comes from Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Indonesia (a tariff on the last, the result of poor quality).

Some high quality cacao does come from those sources, but there are many smaller producers throughout the tropical belt, including the South American area of origin. Many of these small producers are able to get 2-3 times the commodity market price.
Often sold as fair-market, organic, co-op, etc., these products do not benefit the poorest growers, although they offer the consumer a better product.

All companies in the business, including Hershey, Cadbury, Nestle, buy top grades, as well as commodity market grades, which are used in their top-end products or sold to better chocolate candy makers.

Hershey has several brands based on quality chocolate, including Special Dark and Cacao Reserve brands. Other companies selling high quality include Lindt 70%, Noka Vintage, Ghiradelli, Callebaut Dark, Green & Black, Dragoba, but there are many others.