Cocoa (Resources)

Kristy Leissle answers almost any question you might have about chocolate. She ranges from Mesoamerica, where cacao trees first grew, to modern day Ghana and Ivory Coast, where cocoa production is now centered, to Europe and North America, where most chocolate has been—and continues to be—manufactured and consumed. She touches all the bases—biology, agriculture, manufacturing, retailing, and global business relationships. She also loves chocolate.Leissle explains in convincing detail how profits in the chocolate business go mostly to manufacturers and retailers. By contrast, the people who do the hard farm work get a poor return for their efforts and want different lives for their children. “Absurdly low” retail prices for chocolate mean that consumers in the rich world benefit from “trade injustice.” Without doubt, eating chocolate is a guilty pleasure.This book offers many insights for ethical consumers who might wish to alleviate the “rather depressing power dynamic for an industry that ultimately depends on making people happy.” What do labels such as “fair trade” and “organic” mean? You’d like to know more about chocolate brands, such as Taza and Dandelion, that cost more because they pay more to obtain top quality cocoa seeds? Read Leissle.A wealth of first-hand interviews and research enable Leissle to write with authority. She has gone out to talk with the men and women who grow and harvest cocoa seeds. She explains why farming women are doubly disadvantaged. Largely illiterate, they depend on middlemen to sell their harvests and are almost certain to be cheated. Increased women’s literacy would help, but one also suspects that literate women might flee the farming treadmill and try their luck in Accra or Abidjan.Be warned: Leissle’s wonderfully personalized first two pages will hook you.

This was a very thoughtful analysis of the state of the cacao industry, especially as it affects the majority of growers living in the Global South. A lot of authors can champion workers' rights without much thought - but this author is different. She thoroughly analyzes the situation in various cacao-growing countries to show that there is no panacea. Many factors that impact the farmers including manufacturers, consumers, processors, local governments, law enforcement, climate, gender roles, language barriers, and economic calculations. The author convincingly argues that power and politics affect every level of the cacao industry, and demystifies motivations, agenda, and non-intuitive dynamics.

You know those books that move you in a way you can't truly describe? I just finished reading one: Cocoa, by Kristy Leissle. As someone who works in the chocolate biz, I've amassed bits and pieces of knowledge on the topic of cocoa, farmers, and every detail that goes into the chocolate industry, but Kristy's book has brought it all together for me in a way I knew I needed but never thought I could find. The way she describes the multi-faceted elements that shape the world of cocoa and chocolate is insightful and progressive. From what I've learned, I feel energized in my own work and motivated to continue pushing the conversation forward to enable farmers to thrive. In some ways, the challenges presented feel like they will require moving mountains. In other ways, her book is the very thing someone like me needs to more effectively communicate about these issues and empower others to get involved.

The title (Cocoa) is misleading. It is a great update on the economics of Cocoa production, and marketing in Ghana and Ivory Coast - no where else. The intro chapter is poorly done and needs a review of a botanist, as there are some incorrect statements and many omissions. The author needs to speak with Steven Wallace founder of Omanhene Chocolates 1(800) Luv Choc. Steve (from Wisconsin) grows cocoa in Ghana under conditions that are more stringent, safer, and worker beneficial than Fair Trade and his business model is what Fair Trade is based upon.

Dr. Leissle has written an excellent book that explains the Cocoa industry in Ghana and throughout Africa. This book has really helped me to understand that industry as well as the overall culture. Plus, it is very enjoyable to read.

Excellent book. Well written, clear and comprehensive. Fascinating for those interested in all aspects of the cocoa and chocolate world. Many useful references including links to further deepen understanding if desired.

Dr. Kristy Leissle does a fantastic job in providing a political, economical and social analysis on Growing and manufacturing cocoa mainly in Africa. Very strong (without being polarizing) point of view, an excellent read and a fantastic resource!

Great if you wanna break down the industry of cocoa

No esperes un libro bonito, lleno de fotos a color, no hay ninguna. Pero es un gran estudio sobre el cacao sobre todo en su vertiente económica.