We’re Running Out of Chocolate? Oh No!

Posted by Gwen Watson on Dec 1, 2014

Have you heard the recent reports? We're running out of chocolate! Two of the world's largest chocolate makers, Swiss-based chocolate giant Barry Callebaut and confectioner Mars, Inc., predict that there could be a potential global chocolate shortage by the year 2020. Say it ain't so!

Here at Strawberries.com, it's no secret how we feel about chocolate. We love dipping our strawberries, bananas, graham crackers, pretzels, cake pops, cookies, and even jalapenos in chocolate! We think everything is better with chocolate and it turns out that we're not the only ones! Chocolate consumption is increasing and it's predicted that the supply won't be able to meet the demand in the near future.

Here's some data from the Washington Post that explains why this shortage could occur:

• Last year, the world ate roughly 70,000 metric tons more cocoa than it produced. By 2020, the two chocolate-makers warn that that number could swell to 1 million metric tons, a more than 14-fold increase; by 2030, they think the deficit could reach 2 million metric tons.
• Dry weather in West Africa has greatly decreased production in the region. A nasty fungal disease known as frosty pod hasn’t helped either. The International Cocoa Organization estimates it has wiped out between 30 percent and 40 percent of global cocoa production.
• Dark chocolate, which contains a good deal more cocoa by volume than traditional chocolate bars, is rising in popularity.

So, as chocolate lovers, what should we do?

First, don't panic!

We're talking about 2020 here, not tomorrow. This gives chocolate makers some time to develop potential plans to curtail the problem.

Accept that things may be different.

As a consumer, you may have noticed that chocolate portion sizes have become smaller while prices have become higher. According to The Washington Post, cocoa prices have climbed by more than 60 percent since 2012. That's a lot! The taste and quality of chocolate may change too. Researchers are working on developing trees that produce up to seven times the amount of beans traditional cocoa trees can, but the chocolate taste you've come to know and love may be compromised. Chocolate bars are also more likely to be stuffed with fillers like fruit, nuts, and wafers.

Stock up and enjoy!

Because it's not 2020 yet, we say to enjoy this time while you can! With the holidays approaching, it's likely that everywhere you turn, the store shelves are lined with chocolate holiday treats. Stock up and savor this delicious chocolate while you can!