World

Companies Are Crafting New Ways To Grow Cocoa, And Chocolate Alternatives, To Keep Up With Demand

Published

2 months ago

2024-09-02

Cocoa | AP news Image

West Sacramento, California – Climate change is straining the rainforests where the very sensitive cocoa bean grows, but chocolate lovers should not be concerned, according to companies investigating alternative cocoa cultivation methods or developing cocoa alternatives.

Scientists and entrepreneurs are experimenting with ways to produce more cocoa far beyond the tropics, from Northern California to Israel.

California Cultured, a plant cell culture startup, is producing chocolate from cell cultures at a facility in West Sacramento, California, with hopes of beginning selling the product next year. According to Alan Perlstein, the company’s CEO, it places cocoa bean cells in a vat of sugar water, allowing them to reproduce swiftly and mature in a week rather than the six to eight months required for a typical harvest. The procedure also requires less water and labor.

“We see just the demand of chocolate monstrously outstripping what is going to be available,” Perlstein observed. “There’s really no other way that we see that the world could significantly increase the supply of cocoa or still keep it at affordable levels without extensive either environmental degradation or some significant other cost.”

Cocoa trees grow approximately 20 degrees north and south of the equator in areas with warm weather and plenty of rain, such as West Africa and South America. However, climate change is projected to dry out the soil due to increased heat. To fulfill demand, scientists, entrepreneurs, and chocolate lovers are developing new ways to grow cocoa, make it more durable and pest-resistant, and craft chocolatey-tasting cocoa alternatives.

Companies Are Crafting New Ways To Grow Cocoa, And Chocolate Alternatives, To Keep Up With Demand

According to the National Confectioners Association, sales of chocolate in the United States will exceed $25 billion by 2023. Many entrepreneurs believe that demand for cocoa will outpace supply. Companies are considering either increasing supply with cell-based cocoa or providing alternatives produced from items ranging from oats to carbs that have been roasted and flavored to give a chocolaty flavor for chips or filling.

Cocoa prices increased earlier this year due to high demand and crop problems in West Africa caused by plant disease and weather fluctuations. The region produces the vast majority of the world’s cocoa.

“All of this contributes to a potential supply disruption, so it is appealing to these lab-grown or cocoa substitute companies to think of ways to replace that ingredient that we know as chocolatey-flavored,” said Carla D. Martin, executive director of the Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute and a lecturer in African and African American Studies at Harvard University.

Martin explained that demand for chocolate in the United States and Europe is driving the innovation. While West and Central Africa produce three-quarters of the world’s cocoa, only 4% is consumed there.

The attempt to grow cocoa inside the United States follows the growth of other items, such as chicken meat, in labs. It also comes as supermarket shelves fill with new food options, which makers of cocoa substitutes say demonstrates that people are willing to try something that looks and tastes like a chocolate chip cookie, even if the chip contains a cocoa substitute.

They also claimed they hope to capitalize on consumers’ growing awareness of where their food originates and what it takes to grow it, including the exploitation of child labor in the chocolate sector.

Planet A Foods in Planegg, Germany, claims that the taste of mass-market chocolate is primarily derived from the fermenting and roasting processes used in its production rather than the cocoa bean. According to Jessica Karch, a company representative, the founders evaluated a variety of ingredients, ranging from olives to seaweed, before settling on a combination of oats and sunflower seeds as the finest-tasting chocolate replacement. It’s called “ChoViva” and may be substituted in baked items, she claimed.

“The idea is not to replace the high quality, 80% dark chocolate, but really to have a lot of different products in the mass market,” Karch told CNN.

While some are developing alternative cocoa sources and substitutes, others are attempting to increase the supply of cocoa, where it grows naturally. Mars, which makes M&Ms and Snickers, has a research lab at the University of California, Davis, that aims to make cocoa plants more resilient, according to Joanna Hwu, the company’s senior director of cocoa plant science. The facility houses a living collection of cocoa trees so scientists can investigate what makes them disease-resistant, assist farmers in producing countries, and ensure a consistent supply of beans.

“We see it as an opportunity, and our responsibility,” Hwu went on.

Companies Are Crafting New Ways To Grow Cocoa, And Chocolate Alternatives, To Keep Up With Demand

In Israel, attempts to increase cocoa supplies are also underway. Hanne Volpin, the co-founder of Celeste Bio, explained that the company grows cocoa bean cells indoors to generate cocoa powder and butter. In a few years, the company hopes to be able to produce cocoa regardless of the effects of climate change and illness – an attempt that has piqued the interest of Mondelez, the creator of Cadbury chocolate.

“We only have a small field, but eventually, we will have a farm of bioreactors,” Volpin told me.

This is comparable to the effort underway at California Cultured, which intends to seek authorization from the United States Food and Drug Administration to label their product chocolate because, according to Perlstein, that is what it is.

It may be referred to as brewery chocolate or local chocolate, but it is still chocolate, he explained, because it is genetically identical despite not being collected from a tree.

“We basically see that we’re growing cocoa — just in a different way,” Perlstein told Reuters.

SOURCE | AP

Kiara Grace

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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World

Trudeau Condemned in India By Sikhs and Hindus

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-11

Geoff Thomas

A protest against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau erupted in Delhi, India, on Sunday.

A protest against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau erupted in Delhi, India, on Sunday, November 10, in response to the attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada. Hindus and Sikhs united to protest in front of the Canadian embassy in Delhi.

During the protest, a member of the Sikh Global Forum stated, “We are here to demonstrate that Sikhs have not attacked Hindus; we are both linked by blood relations.”

For Hindus, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh sacrificed for their religion. How can they fight with one another? We are here at the Canadian Embassy to deliver a memorandum,” PTI reported.

VIDEO | Members of Hindu Sikh Global Forum stage protest at Canada Embassy in New Delhi, condemning the violence that occurred near a temple in Canada’s Brampton on November 4.

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/P4BLJnSYKW

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 10, 2024

People from the Hindu Sikh Global Forum were on their way to the High Commission of Canada, Chanakyapuri, to condemn the attack on a Hindu Temple in Canada when they were stopped near Teen Murti Marg by Delhi Police.

#WATCH | Delhi: People of the Hindu Sikh Global Forum on their way to the High Commission of Canada, Chanakyapuri, to protest against the attack on a Hindu Temple in Canada, were stopped at Teen Murti Marg by Police. pic.twitter.com/ONaXu46gJi

— ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2024

Notably, Khalistanis stormed a prominent Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, with Canadian police officials implicated. The incident raised concerns about the safety of Hindus in Canada.

Relations between India and Canada have been strained for more than a year, and there is little indication of improvement as recriminations persist.

Because Sikhs play an important role in Canadian politics, both the ruling Liberal Party and the opposition parties court them. India accused Trudeau of engaging in “vote bank politics.” Canada respects India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty but cannot restrict its citizens’ political activity.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with members of the Sikh Caucus.

Recent Indian statements have once again portrayed Trudeau as responsible for the worsening of relations. However, even under a different government, India cannot be certain or optimistic that Canada will comply with its demands for restrictions on Sikh activism.

In April this year, Prime Minister Trudeau, Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and several legislators attended a Sikh event in Toronto, demonstrating the community’s clout.

India opposed the use of “Khalistan” slogans on the day. Years ago, it was clear that relations between Canada and India were strained.

Trudeau traveled to India in February 2018 as part of a high-profile tour. The Indian media claimed the state visit was “downgraded” because Modi did not join his guest on a tour to Gujarat.

The media also noted that Modi did not send a tweet greeting Trudeau.

Surprisingly, the Indian Foreign Ministry addressed Prime Minister Trudeau’s 2018 visit in a statement in October, claiming that it was “aimed at currying favor with a vote bank,” but “rebounded to his discomfort.”

In recent days, Canada and India have exchanged additional allegations. The most significant of these concerns are those of Home Minister Amit Shah, often regarded as the most powerful man behind Modi in the Indian government.

India Slams Trudeau for Leaking Baseless Allegations

India Slams Trudeau for Leaking Baseless Allegations

Geoff Thomas

Geoffrey Thomas is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills and deep understanding of SEO, he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Thomas' articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

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World

Hamas Leaders Ordered to Leave Qatar

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-11

Geoff Thomas

Qatar has instructed Hamas leaders to leave the country

Qatar has ordered Hamas leaders to leave the country in response to a US request to stop Qatar’s support for the terrorist organization.

In a series of high-stakes communications, Washington informed Qatar that Hamas’ continued presence in Doha is no longer acceptable in light of the militant group’s rejection of recent ceasefire and hostage exchange proposals, prompting Qatar to deliver a similar message to Hamas leaders about ten days earlier.

A US official emphasized the US stance, telling Reuters that “after rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, its leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner.” We made this clear to Qatar after Hamas’ rejection weeks ago.”

Despite US pressure, three Hamas officials have denied that Qatar formally requested their departure, Reuters reports.

Since 2012, Qatar has sheltered Hamas leaders as part of a deal to encourage negotiations, particularly during times of heavy tension between Hamas and Israel.

In recent months, Qatar, along with the United States and Egypt, has led many rounds of discussions to end the carnage in Gaza—a goal that has proven elusive since Hamas rejected a previous cease-fire agreement in mid-October.

The Biden administration’s effort for a resolution in Gaza has acquired urgency as Israel’s retaliatory strikes have ravaged the area, killing an estimated 43,000 Palestinians and causing enormous destruction.

Meanwhile, the recent election of Republican Donald Trump as the next US president has reportedly reduced President Biden’s clout in the last weeks of his presidency.

Previous rounds of talks collapsed when Israel imposed new criteria, including a prospective military presence in Gaza, which Hamas interpreted as changing “last-minute goalposts.”

Last year, similar discussions mediated in Doha resulted in a seven-day cease-fire in Gaza, allowing captives to be released and humanitarian aid to be delivered, but hostilities immediately resumed.

Qatar’s long-standing stance as a mediator has come under growing scrutiny from US politicians. Fourteen Republican senators recently wrote to the Department of State, seeking penalties on Hamas officials in Qatar, their extradition, and a demand that Qatar “end its hospitality” to Hamas.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister, has defended his country’s hosting of Hamas officials, claiming that their presence promotes crucial diplomatic conversations.

Source: Reuters

Hamas Calls for Peace After Trump Wins Election

Hamas Calls for Peace After Trump Wins Election

Geoff Thomas

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World

Iraq Prepares to Allow Men to Marry 9 Years Old Girls

Published

3 days ago

2024-11-10

Geoff Thomas

Iraq to Allow Men to Marry 9 Years Old Girls

The proposed legal change also deprives women of rights to divorce, child custody and inheritance.

Iraq is preparing to lower the legal age of consent from 18 to 9 years old, allowing males to marry young children. The legislative amendment also strips women of their rights to divorce, child custody, and inheritance.

Iraq’s parliament, which is dominated by a coalition of orthodox Shia Muslim parties, is set to vote on an amendment to repeal the country’s “personal status law”.

The legislation, also known as Law 188, was hailed as one of the most progressive in the Middle East when it was established in 1959. It establishes an overarching set of norms for Iraqi families, regardless of religious affiliation.

In addition to lowering the legal marriage age, the amendment would deny women the right to divorce, child custody, and inheritance.

According to the ruling coalition, the decision is consistent with a rigorous interpretation of Islamic law and aims to safeguard young females from “immoral relationships.”

On September 16, the change to Law 188 received its second reading.

It is not the first time Shia parties in Iraq have attempted to reform the personal status law; previous proposals failed in 2014 and 2017, partly due to opposition from Iraqi women.

However, according to Dr Renad Mansour, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, the coalition currently has a substantial legislative majority and is close to passing the amendment.

According to experts and campaigners, the amendment would effectively eliminate the country’s most vital women’s rights.

Iraq already has a high rate of child marriage. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), approximately 28% of women in Iraq marry by the age of 18.

This is due to a loophole in personal status law that allows religious leaders, rather than judges, to officiate hundreds of marriages each year, including those involving girls as young as 15, with approval from the father.

Unregistered weddings are common among Iraq’s economically destitute, ultraconservative Shia populations.

However, because the marriage is not legally recognized, the females and any children they have are denied a wide range of privileges. Hospitals, for example, may refuse to accept women for deliveries unless they have a marriage certificate.

According to The Telegraph, the amendment would legitimize these religious weddings, increasing the danger of sexual and physical assault against young girls, as well as denying them access to education and jobs.

The proposed amendment is the governing coalition’s latest attempt to limit women’s rights.

In April, it also made same-sex relationships punishable by up to 15 years in prison despite failing to impose the death penalty. Last year, it decided that media outlets should replace the term “homosexuality” with “sexual deviance” across all platforms.

The term “gender” has also been prohibited.

Before voting on the latest modifications, the Iraqi parliament will hold a formal debate. Women’s rights advocates have accused the government of wanting to “legalize child rape” in response to the action.