A background of the cocoa market is provided, from first discovery by the Europeans, its early production and methods of consumption as a drink, through to the spread of cocoa plantations from South America to Africa and the Far East, and the development of eating chocolate. Reference is made to labour in cocoa production, and health issues over early chocolate consumption are considered. Similarities in the market conditions in recent years to other periods are outlined to bring the subject up to current times with regard to prices and supply and demand issues.