A BATTLE royale is threatening to breakout between chocolate manufacturers ofthe European Union (Fu) and cocoa producers in developing countries. At thecrux of the issue is what should go intothe making of tasty chocolate - cocoabutter or alternates like vegetable fat.
The latter option, already in place inseven EU member states including theUK, Denmark and Ireland, could sendcocoa producers reeling in furtherlosses, if it is accepted to be the one andonly option. The EU, in a bid to resolvethe chocolate row, will shortly be deciding on a new draft directive -for allmember states to replace the outdated1973 chocolate directive this month.
Chocolate manufacturers are currentlyopting for vegetable fats as this givesthem the benefit of developing innovative products like chocolate with bubbles.