The bittersweet truth behind surging chocolate prices

The bittersweet truth behind surging chocolate prices
The cost of cocoa has rocketed to more than NZ$8,880 a tonne, beating a record price that had stood for 46 years. (Image: NZME)
Bloomberg
By Javier Blas The evening I learned the unspoken truth about the cocoa market, I was in Yamoussoukro, the colossal capital city of Ivory Coast.“The problem with cocoa is that’s a poor man’s crop,” explained my dining companion, a government official-turned-businessman. “Do you see any commercial plantation around here? No,” he said. “And do you know why? Because prices aren’t high enough.”Only because millions of West African farmers saw cocoa as their only way to escape abject poverty...

More Trade

Recession worries? Blame China's economic flu
Economy

Recession worries? Blame China's economic flu

Treasury's chief economic adviser says China's economic woes are being felt in NZ.

Dileepa Fonseka 25 Jul 2024
How NZ stacks up in the climate credibility test
Opinion

Dileepa Fonseka: How NZ stacks up in the climate credibility test

The Govt needs something bold to firmly establish its credibility on climate change.

Dileepa Fonseka 22 Jul 2024
The unlikely success of NZ exports to the US
Politics

The unlikely success of NZ exports to the US

New Zealand’s trade with the United States is a rare good news story.

Dileepa Fonseka 11 Jul 2024
Repackaging NZ, the struggle to sell
Opinion

Dileepa Fonseka: Repackaging NZ, the struggle to sell

This country falters in promoting its future on the world stage.

Dileepa Fonseka 08 Jul 2024