If you're one that buys chocolate for Easter, be prepared for leaner supplies and higher prices for the brown gold on vendor's shelves this spring. A ban on exported cocoa from Ivory Coast in Africa, the top source in the world, has diminished world supplies and could lead to a chocolate shortage.
The ban was invoked by the new legally elected president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattarra, in an effort to drive out the former leader, Laurent Gbagbo, who refuses to yield power. This move has been supported by the international community, including the U.S.
Stores are packed right now with Easter candy. If you are really worried there is still lots of leftovers from Valentines Day in the bargain bin section. I loaded up on Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates this past week. I could eat an entire box in one sitting.
I remember the first gasoline shortage in '73 and how everyone thought that it was contrived. Of course, it was followed by several contrived shortages; coffee, tires, sugar, etc.
One old lady was interviewed by the TV reported while she was in the checkout line at the grocery. She was asked why she had loaded up two grocery carts with so many 10 lb bags of sugar. "To get some sugar before all the hoarders get it all."
:chocolate:
