Yes, it’s true.

The world is running out of chocolate.

According to the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ wonkblog/wp/2014/11/15/the-worlds-biggest-chocolate-maker-says-were-running-out-of-chocolate/ : In 2013, consumers ate about 70,000 metric tons more cocoa than was produced, and that deficit could go up to 1 million metric tons by 2020. The Ivory Coast and Ghana produce more than 70 percent of the world’s cacao beans, and both countries are experiencing dry weather that limits growth. To make things worse, a fungal disease called frosty pod has destroyed 30 to 40 percent of global cocoa production.

Forget about global warming. The chocolate apocalypse is at hand!

Rumor has it that the United Nations has formed a special Save-the-Chocolate Task Force tasked with developing strategies for conserving the world’s chocolate supply. Among steps being considered: assigning odd/even days for purchasing chocolate as in the days of the oil embargo; setting up chocolate recycling centers where used chocolate wrappers can be skimmed for chocolate residue; requiring manufacturers to make chocolate Easter bunnies with one ear only; and canceling Valentine’s Day until further notice.

My own contribution to the Chocolate Conservation Movement is to ask all those who love the taste of chocolate and red wine to simply leave out the chocolate and double up on the wine.

Cheers!