Question: Which of the following is the first stage in a supply chain for a chocolate bar?
A Roasting of Cocoa Beans
B Packaging and Distribution
C Retail Sales
D Chocolate Bar Manufacturing
Answer: Roasting of Cocoa Beans
| Stage | Description |
| Roasting of Cocoa Beans | The first stage takes place in a chocolate factory where cocoa beans are roasted to develop flavor and aroma. |
| Cracking and Winnowing | After roasting, the beans are cracked and winnowed to remove the outer shell, leaving the cocoa nibs. |
| Grinding and Conching | · The nibs are ground into cocoa liquor, which contains both cocoa solids and cocoa butter. · Conching is a refining process that smoothens the texture and enhances flavor. |
| Tempering | The chocolate is tempered to stabilize the cocoa butter crystals, ensuring a glossy finish and good snap. |
| Molding and Cooling | · The tempered chocolate is poured into molds to create the desired chocolate bar shape. · The bars are then cooled to harden. |
| Packaging and Distribution | · The chocolate bars are packaged and labeled for retail sale. · Distribution involves shipping the chocolate bars to various retail outlets. |
| Retail Sales | · The chocolate bars are made available to consumers in retail stores, both physical and online. · Consumers purchase and enjoy the chocolate bars. |