Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,
Cocoa-nomics: Why
chocolate really doesn't grow on trees
Chocolate is loved
by many and more around the world. Adding more middle-class populations in
China and Asia, the demand for chocolate is increasing. If demand increases,
the price should also rises unless the supply exceeds the pace. It sounds like
good news and trend to the farmers in Ivory Coast in Africa where a third of
world cocoa beans are produced. That’s true if they are paid more according to
the price and such demand. But the truth seems to be far from it.
There is huge
number of child labors who work for the bottom end of the supply chain that get
the least or no benefit from the rising demand for chocolate. Those poor children
seem to be living just to help farm and harvest cocoa beans to survive, none or
little chance to be educated. It sounds like a problem for everyone who enjoys
trading, producing, selling and eating chocolate but no one is taking responsibility
for it. This situation makes even Willy Wonka look like a generous capitalist,
doesn’t it?
Enjoy reading and
learning about the very inside of your chocolate bar or hot chocolate.
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