I thought I would start this homage to chocolate blog with some good news – apparently the increasing demand for gourmet chocolate is bringing about a revival in fortunes for the Cocoa Farmers of Central America.
According to a recent article by Brian Harris which I came across on Reuters the local population are once again planting cocoa because of the increased prices that can be obtained for high quality cocoa. The added benefit that most people are happy to pay a premium for Fair Trade supplies makes it even more woth while for the farmers, who have long been taken advantage of by some of the bulk chocolate manufacturers. If the chocolate is also grown organically then there is an even higher premium which gives the farmer a fair return for his labour.
Most of the chocolate we eat comes from Africa but I have to confess to a personal fondness for the South American chocolate, the partial fermentation of the beans seems to give it an extra richness, so this is good news.
If you would like to read Brian Harris’ article, you will find it here.