[sodpoodle]

***Why not just grow cocoa plants in the areas of the Americas where the conditions are right?***

Chocolate was rationed during WWII - don’t remember why. But it seems of all the State Agricultural Departments we have - surely one State has the right topography and climate for this valuable crop.

[toothfairy86]

This is why Nutella was invented by the Ferrero family. They were confectioners. Hazelnuts were plentiful in certain parts of Italy, while chocolate was getting more expensive.

[thecodont]

But it seems of all the State Agricultural Departments we have - surely one State has the right topography and climate for this valuable crop.

That would be Hawai'i -- and ONLY Hawai'i. Cacao can only be grown in a tropical climate which provides sufficient heat and humidity, at the Equator or within 10 degrees of it.

[Rebelbase]

Because of the sugar shortages and shift in production that sent the chocolate to the troops?