Summary
Highlights
The cocoa industry, a multi-billion dollar enterprise, creates a divide between those who consume chocolate and those who produce its raw material. In Ivory Coast, cocoa farmers like Alfonse, despite harvesting beans, do not have the luxury of enjoying chocolate themselves. They struggle with poor harvests and low prices, often earning only seven euros a day to support numerous family members and workers.
Alfonse, who has been cultivating cocoa for years, experiences chocolate for the very first time. He is amazed by its sweetness and deliciousness, expressing surprise that such a delightful product comes from the cocoa beans he grows. This moment underscores the disconnect between producers and consumers in the global cocoa supply chain.
Excited by his discovery, Alfonse shares the chocolate with his fellow workers. Many of them also have never tasted chocolate and are equally surprised to learn that the product is made from the very cocoa beans they harvest. They had believed cocoa was used for wine, highlighting their limited knowledge of the final product and its value.
The video shows Alfonse and his workers harvesting cocoa pods and preparing the beans for fermentation and drying. Despite their intimate involvement in this crucial stage, they remain unaware of what the dried beans are ultimately used for. Explaining the process reveals the transformations the beans undergo in factories to become chocolate, which further astonishes the farmers.
The initial bitterness towards the challenging work of cocoa farming transforms into appreciation after tasting chocolate. The farmers acknowledge that tasting the end product is a privilege, highlighting their previous lack of access to something made from their own hard labor. The experience brings a moment of shared joy and understanding, motivating them to continue their hard work.