'Taste A Chocolate Bar Today'

 A woman consuming some refreshing chocolate drink

Ghanaians who have deliberately avoided the consumption of chocolate have been asked to take advantage of this year's Valentine's Day celebration and give themselves a nourishing treat today.

Ekow Rhule, Public Relations Manager of the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), who made the appeal, said the unique nourishment and benefits that chocolate consumers would obtain from a chocolate bar would far outweigh the monetary value of the product today.

In an interview, he said CPC has increased its chocolate production for the National Chocolate/Valentine Day celebration from 7,000 to 8,000 cartons, adding that the increase was to prevent any shortage of chocolate today.

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ministry of Tourism in 2007 re-branded Valentine's Day, which falls on February 14, as National Chocolate Day.

The re-branding of Valentine's Day was aimed at reducing the social vices associated with the day while promoting the consumption of chocolate especially, Ghana's cocoa.

Mr Rhule said with the commencement of the Chocolate Day in 2007, CPC registered a shortage of chocolate on the market since the 2,000 produced were not enough.

Since that time, demand for chocolate on Valentine's Day has increased year after year.

Over 5,000 cartons of other cocoa products, including pebbles, drinking chocolate and chocolate spread, would be made available on the market.

Mr Rhule said to encourage people to present chocolate as gifts to their loved ones, 1,500 cartons of hexagonal chocolate package and 10,000 pieces of the eight and six pack newly-introduced product would also be available.

Additionally, he said 6,000 handmade chocolate rolls in foils had been produced purposely for the celebration.

Commenting on the health benefits of cocoa, he said cocoa products contain antioxidants, which are good for blood circulation and the proper functioning of the heart.

'So try and take chocolate instead of alcohol and buy chocolate presents for your loved ones too. Chocolate and other cocoa products are good for us.'

 
A business desk report