The Impact of Plant Diseases on World Chocolate Production

means the source of the “food of the gods,” hence its scientific name Theo (god) and broma (food). The Spaniards, notably Hernan Cortez, introduced the drink to the Spanish royalty, but the bitter drink did not become popular for another one hundred years, when additives such as sugar, cinnamon, and chile peppers made the drink more palatable. Chocolate was the first mildly stimulating drink introduced to Europe, appearing even before coffee and tea. The present-day popularity of chocolate and the drink cocoa needs no verification as attested to by the many “chocolate lovers” who especially look forward to occasions and national holidays when chocolate is traditionally given as a gift to loved ones and friends. The demand for chocolate is growing and the question now is will the world supply of a product that comes from a strictly tropical, rainforest-inhabiting tree will continue to meet the demand. Over the past two decades several important fungal diseases have gained considerable importance and pose a serious threat to the supply of chocolate (Fig. 4).