'Chocolate shortage is coming' claim: Virus hits cocoa trees
Chocolate producers worldwide have their eyes fixed on cocoa plantations. A virus outbreak in West Africa has killed trees and reduced production. Dry and hot weather is also not helping farmers.
12punto
Debates over whether chocolate is a source of happiness have been ongoing for many years.
However, this snack is currently not bringing happiness to its producers.
Cocoa prices worldwide have been rising steadily for some time.
COULD HIT THE POCKETS OF CHOCOLATE LOVERS
Experts point to the decline in production, which has continued for the fourth consecutive season, as the reason for the price increases.
It is stated that the rise in cocoa prices could hit the pockets of chocolate lovers.
THE ONLY WAY TO GET RID OF THE DISEASE...
The reason for the cocoa shortage is a disease spreading in the West African region, where almost all production takes place. The only way to get rid of the incurable virus-borne disease is to cut down the trees and plant new ones in their place.
While the epidemic is worse this season than in previous years, the new trees are not yet at their most productive age. Weather conditions are not helping either.
The El Niño phenomenon, which brings dry and hot weather, is significantly reducing productivity in the largest cocoa producers, Ivory Coast and Ghana.