The Top Cocoa Producing Countries In The World
Here are the top cocoa-producing countries in the world, ranked by their annual cocoa bean production:
1. Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Annual production: ~2 million metric tons
- Overview: Côte d'Ivoire is the largest cocoa producer globally, accounting for roughly 40% of the world’s cocoa supply. The country's economy relies heavily on cocoa, providing livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers.
2. Ghana
- Annual production: ~900,000 to 1 million metric tons
- Overview: Ghana is the second-largest cocoa producer and is known for its high-quality beans, particularly the “Fine Flavour” variety. Cocoa farming plays a crucial role in Ghana’s economy.
3. Indonesia
- Annual production: ~600,000 metric tons
- Overview: Indonesia is Asia’s largest cocoa producer, with much of its production coming from smallholder farms. Sulawesi Island is the heart of Indonesia’s cocoa industry.
4. Nigeria
- Annual production: ~300,000 to 340,000 metric tons
- Overview: Nigeria is one of Africa's leading cocoa producers, and cocoa remains an important agricultural export. Efforts are underway to boost production through improved farming techniques.
5. Ecuador
- Annual production: ~270,000 to 300,000 metric tons
- Overview: Ecuador is known for producing “Fine Flavour” cocoa, particularly the Arriba Nacional variety, which is prized by chocolate makers around the world. It has a reputation for high-quality beans.
6. Brazil
- Annual production: ~200,000 to 250,000 metric tons
- Overview: Brazil was once a leading cocoa producer, but disease and other challenges have reduced its output. It remains an important producer in Latin America, with efforts to revitalize the industry.
7. Peru
- Annual production: ~130,000 to 160,000 metric tons
- Overview: Peru has become an emerging player in the cocoa industry, known for producing high-quality, organic, and “Fine Flavour” cocoa beans. Its cocoa is sought after by premium chocolate brands.
8. Dominican Republic
- Annual production: ~70,000 to 85,000 metric tons
- Overview: The Dominican Republic is a key producer in the Caribbean, known for its organic and high-quality cocoa. A large percentage of its production is certified organic and Fair Trade.
9. Cameroon
- Annual production: ~250,000 to 300,000 metric tons
- Overview: Cameroon is a major African producer, though its industry faces challenges such as aging plantations and poor infrastructure. Cocoa is a significant part of the country’s agriculture sector.
10. Papua New Guinea
- Annual production: ~40,000 to 60,000 metric tons
- Overview: Papua New Guinea produces small but high-quality cocoa, including organic and “Fine Flavour” varieties. The industry is an important source of income for rural communities.
Summary:
- Africa dominates cocoa production, with Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana supplying the majority of the world’s cocoa.
- Latin American countries such as Ecuador and Peru are known for producing premium cocoa used in gourmet chocolate.
- Asia, represented by Indonesia, is also an important player in the global cocoa market.
These countries are integral to the global chocolate industry, providing the raw material that feeds the world’s insatiable demand for chocolate products.
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