A FINE CHOCOLATE! AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE, A LUXURY THAT LASTS.

Written by: Paola Forero Acosta

Who doesn’t like a piece of chocolate to sweeten the mouth at some point of the day, it seems that almost everybody loves it! Today the world consumption of chocolate is approximately 7 thousand tons of cocoa per year (7 million kilos), and it is expected that demand will continue to rise at a similar rate as it has been doing in the past years. Taking into account that there is an increasing awareness of the need for socially and environmentally responsible production and consumption (for example, the European Union will implement strict regulations for imports of agricultural products), the question is: where and at what cost can we, the producing countries, supply this demand and satisfy so many palates in a responsible manner? Cocoa production requires very specific conditions. Climate, humidity, soil quality, altitude, winds, shade, etc., are fundamental to obtain a good harvest. These characteristics mean that there are relatively few regions in the world where the production of this wonderful fruit is possible. This is how it has happened, almost naturally, that the countries that have historically been leaders in its production are located mainly in the Gulf of Guinea, on the west coast of the African continent. Although the cocoa fruit was originated in the Amazon basin, it is only in recent decades that several Latin American countries, including Colombia, which also enjoy these tropical characteristics, have discovered that they can produce cocoa of exquisite qualities, fine and aromatic cocoa, perfect for satisfying the most exclusive markets in the world. In the specific case of Colombia, cocoa production has also been a very important factor in illicit crop substitution programs, and in providing development opportunities to rural producing communities that were in the midst of an armed conflict. There are several examples that demonstrate that this fruit has changed the lives of thousands of producers.

This growing demand is undoubtedly a great opportunity for these populations. However, we also face important challenges. As consumers, we must be aware that the prices paid are sufficient for the producers to obtain a profitability that allows them to improve their living conditions, and also to guarantee the sustainability of the ecosystems in which they live, even more so when today there are already
pressures due to climate change that reduce supply -some studies estimate that 90 percent of current cocoa crops will no longer be available in 2050-.

HOW CAN WE CONTINUE TO GENERATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THESE POPULATIONS IN A SUSTAINABLE MANNER? HOW DO WE GUARANTEE THAT THOSE OF US WHO LOVE CHOCOLATE WILL CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO CONSUME IT?

There is no magic answer. However, we believe that, as they say in my family, everything is good but in balance. As consumers, it is important that we start by
learning about and being aware of the type of chocolate we consume, but especially, to know what is behind its production, what it really costs, not only for us but for the planet in general, and what we are willing to pay to enjoy it. This call for balance also includes a review of the quality and, above all, the quantity we consume. We want the producers of this fruit to conserve the area where they produce it, to have good living conditions to continue growing it… and all this so that we can all continue to indulge ourselves and be very happy eating good chocolate.
At Moxẽ we want good chocolate to be an opportunity for everyone and a luxury that lasts.