World Chocolate Day – július 7.

World Chocolate Day, observed annually on 7 July, commemorates the introduction of cacao to Europe in 1550. What began as a luxury reserved for Spanish and later European aristocracy has since become a multi-billion-dollar global industry. Yet this popularity masks a troubling paradox: while chocolate consumption continues to rise in wealthy nations, the smallholder farmers who cultivate cacao — many in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana — often live below the poverty line. In recent years, campaigners have used the occasion to push for greater transparency in supply chains and fairer prices for producers, arguing that consumers have a responsibility to consider where their treats come from.

1. 1. What does the text describe as a 'troubling paradox'?

   • Too much regulation in the industry
   • Rising chocolate consumption alongside farmer poverty
   • A shortage of cacao beans
   • Falling chocolate sales worldwide
   Ellenőrzés

2. 2. Who was chocolate originally a luxury for?

   • Sailors and traders only
   • Spanish and European aristocracy
   • Religious leaders exclusively
   • Ordinary farmers
   Ellenőrzés

3. 3. Name one country mentioned where smallholder cacao farmers live.

   Ellenőrzés

4. 4. What are campaigners pushing for, according to the text?

   • More chocolate factories in Europe
   • Less chocolate production overall
   • Greater transparency in supply chains and fairer prices
   • Lower chocolate prices for consumers
   Ellenőrzés