The Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) has increased its chocolate production for the National Chocolate / Valentine Day celebration from 7,000 to 8,000 cartons.

Mr Ekow Rhule, CPC’s Public Relations Manager, told the GNA in an interview that the increase was to prevent any shortage of chocolate on Friday.

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

The re-branding of Valentine 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 at the commencement of the Chocolate Day in 2007 CPC registered shortage of chocolate on the market as the 2,000 produced were not enough.

He added that over the years, the demand for chocolate on the day, kept increasing, therefore the need to increase supply.

According to him, over 5,000 cartons of other cocoa products such as pebbles, drinking chocolate and chocolate spread would also 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.

Mr Rhule added that 6,000 handmade chocolate rolls in foils have also been produced for the celebration.

He advised Ghanaians especially the youth to replace the consumption of alcohol on that day with the intake of chocolate and other cocoa products.

He reiterated the health benefits of cocoa, noting that cocoa products contain antioxidants which are good for blood circulation and the proper functioning of the heart.