Chocolate

The warming climate poses threats to the chocolate industry. Prolonged heat waves shrivel the leaves of cacao trees while dry spells impede pod growth and dry out soil moisture. Warmer temperatures favor destructive insects. These things threaten the livelihood of over 5 million farmers. Meanwhile, raw cacao prices continue to go up and up. The price of raw cacao tripled in 2024, raising consumer prices, leading to smaller bars, and reformulation of candies containing less chocolate.

Climate change is increasing pressure on farmers around the world as rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events make growing conditions less predictable. In Ghana, where agriculture largely depends on rainfall, cacao farmers are already feeling its impacts. As rains become less reliable, how can cocoa production adapt to a changing climate?

Crops that sustain communities and economies around the world are increasingly at risk from a changing climate. Rising temperatures and extreme weather are putting everything from staple grains and fruits to specialty crops at risk, including three global favorites: coffee, chocolate, and wine grapes. According to a new study by researchers at Colorado State University, even bold climate intervention efforts may not be enough to protect them.

With less than a week before Halloween, Joe Suhrada of Uncle Sam's Candy in Latham and Schenectady, New York and Tom Krause of Krause's Homemade Candy in…

Today we have a sweet Food Friday show. Joe Suhrada of Uncle Sam's Candy and Matt Sinico of Catherine's Chocolates are in the studio with a host of…

I’ve got a confession to make. I buy Valentine’s candy. For myself.No, of course I’m not talking about those large, red velvety, heart-shaped boxes filled…

Susan Benjamin is a candy historian and owner of True Treats Candy, the nation’s only research-based historic candy company.Her new book, Sweet as Sin:…

Sandra Boynton is a popular cartoonist, writer, and songwriter. Since 1974, she has written and illustrated over fifty children’s books and seven general…

For nearly 150 years America's oldest continuously family run chocolate company has been making artisan chocolate for home bakers, pastry chefs, and…

Food For Thought is a monthly evening of food, film and discussion with a focus on films of social, political, environmental and community interest. Held…