The price of chocolate could soar over the next few years as surging demand puts further pressure on the global cocoa crisis – and experts predict the demand could become unsustainable by 2020.
Experts are warning that a growing taste for chocolate in Asia – particularly in China – means cocoa farmers will need more help to provide a greater amount to export or manufacturers will be forced to use less cocoa in their products.
It is predicted chocolate prices will soar to keep up with the rising demand – otherwise consumers will increasingly be offered products filled with substitutes, such as nuts and fruits, to ‘pack out’ chocolate bars.
The news comes as millions of people across Britain are set to indulge in Easter eggs and chocolate treats this weekend.
It is estimated that the growing demand for cocoa will be unsustainable by 2020, unless more is done to help cocoa growing communities.
Most cocoa farms are situated along the west coast of Africa – where many farmers are said to be living off less than $2 a day.
In December, the International Cocoa Organisation said there could be a 150,000 tonne deficit of the amount of cocoa beans produced in 2014.
The organisation said global cocoa supplies were heading towards the longest production shortfall in more than five decades, Daily Mail informs.
