Cocoa is one of the most valuable agricultural products in the world. Derived from the beans of the cacao tree, a tropical plant scientifically known as Theobroma cacao, which originates from Central and South American regions.
The global cocoa market, a cornerstone of the chocolate industry and an economic driver for several countries, is booming in 2024. With an estimated value of over 100 billion US dollars, cocoa is much more than just an ingredient; it is a catalyst for economic growth, a central element of international trade, and a lever for sustainable development. Cocoa production is dominated by a handful of countries, mainly in Africa but also in Latin America and Southeast Asia. This overview provides a snapshot of the top 10 global leaders in cocoa production in 2024.
1 - Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast remains the world’s leading and undisputed cocoa producer, contributing over 40% with a global production of about 2.2 million tons per year. Cocoa is primarily cultivated in the regions of Divo, Abengourou, and San Pedro.
The country benefits from ideal climatic conditions and an abundant labor force. To maintain this leading position, Ivory Coast has implemented several effective strategies and policies. The Ivorian government sets a guaranteed minimum price for cocoa beans to ensure fair compensation for producers. This policy aims to stabilize farmers’ income and protect their purchasing power against global price fluctuations.
For example, in 2023, the Ivorian government announced an increase in the guaranteed minimum price of cocoa beans to support producers facing inflation and rising production costs. Additionally, Ivory Coast has established training programs to teach best agricultural practices, such as the National Cocoa Producers Support Program (PNPPC), which provides technical advice and regular training.
2 - Ghana
Ghana is the second largest cocoa producer, renowned for the exceptional quality of its beans. It contributes nearly 20% with a global production of about 883,000 tons per year, with cocoa primarily grown in the Central, Ashanti, and Brong-Ahafo regions.
Ghanaian cocoa is valued for its rich flavor profile and low acidity. The country has implemented policies to support producers and improve agricultural practices through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
Founded in 1947, the Ghana Cocoa Board is the government agency responsible for regulating and supporting the cocoa industry in Ghana. COCOBOD oversees cocoa production, marketing, and export. It sets a guaranteed minimum price for cocoa beans, providing financial security to producers and protecting them from extreme fluctuations in global market prices. It also provides subsidies for purchasing fertilizers and pest control products, helping farmers enhance yields and bean quality.
3 - Indonesia
Indonesia, the third largest global producer, contributes 12% with a global production of about 659,000 tons per year. The main producing regions are Sulawesi, Java, and Sumatra.
Indonesia primarily exports to European and American markets. As one of the world’s leading cocoa producers, the country strives to maintain its leading position through various policies and strategic initiatives. The Indonesian government provides financial support to cocoa producers through subsidies and guaranteed price programs. These policies aim to stabilize farmers’ incomes and encourage the production of high-quality cocoa.
For example, in 2022, the government introduced a subsidy program for the purchase of fertilizers and pest control products, allowing producers to improve the quality and yield of their crops. Indonesia also encourages producers to obtain sustainability certifications such as Rainforest Alliance and UTZ, which ensure environmentally friendly and socially responsible agricultural practices.
In 2023, the government supported projects to certify thousands of hectares of cocoa plantations according to sustainability standards, promoting more eco-friendly and ethical agricultural practices.
4 - Nigeria
Nigeria is a key player in cocoa production, contributing 7% with a global production of about 287,000 tons per year. Cocoa is primarily produced in the regions of Ondo, Cross River, and Ogun.
Nigerian cocoa is valued for its high cocoa butter content. To remain among the leaders, the Nigerian government sets a purchase price that guarantees stable compensation for cocoa producers, helping to stabilize farmers’ incomes and encourage continuous production.
In 2023, the government introduced a financial support program to offset market price fluctuations and high production costs. Subsidies are also provided for the purchase of fertilizers, pest control products, and the rehabilitation of aging plantations, contributing to improved yields and bean quality.
Nigeria encourages producers to obtain sustainability certifications such as Rainforest Alliance and UTZ, ensuring environmentally friendly agricultural practices. In 2022, the government launched a certification program to promote sustainable farming practices and improve access to international markets. Additionally, the country has implemented reforestation projects to restore degraded lands and enhance the sustainability of cocoa plantations. The “Green Nigeria” project supports tree planting in cocoa-growing areas to improve biodiversity.
5 - Ecuador
Ecuador is a major producer of high-quality cocoa, particularly known for its fine cocoa varieties, such as Arriba cocoa. The country contributes 5% with a global production of about 290,000 tons per year, primarily cultivated in the regions of Guayas, Los Ríos, and Manabí.
Ecuador stands out for its production of fine and aromatic cocoa varieties, such as Arriba, which is highly sought after in international markets for its exceptional quality. This cocoa is known for its unique flavors and floral aromas, allowing it to command higher prices on the global market. Ecuadorian producers thus receive a premium for these specific varieties.
The country also promotes the certification of its products according to quality and sustainability standards, such as Fair Trade and organic agriculture, which enhances access to international markets.
For example, in 2023, an increase in organic certifications allowed several Ecuadorian cocoa farms to position themselves advantageously in the high-end chocolate market. Ecuador invests in training programs such as the Cacao para el Desarrollo program, which offers training on best agricultural practices and fertilization methods. Additionally, subsidies are provided for the purchase of agricultural inputs like fertilizers and pesticides to support small producers and improve their productivity.
6 - Brazil
Brazil is the largest cocoa producer in South America after Ecuador, contributing 5% with a global production of about 250,000 tons per year. The production is primarily located in the regions of Bahia and Pará.
To maintain its position among the leaders, Brazil invests in research to develop cocoa varieties resistant to diseases and adverse climatic conditions. The Agropecuária Research Institute has developed the Tropical cocoa variety, which is resistant to the pest disease, a major issue affecting cocoa trees.
Genetic selection programs are underway to enhance the productivity and quality of Brazilian cocoa, focusing on specific traits such as yield and disease resistance.
For example, the Cacaueiro do Futuro project aims to create cocoa strains that combine high productivity with resistance to extreme climatic conditions, ensuring more stable production. Brazil also implements training programs for producers to teach them best agricultural practices, disease management, and efficient resource use. The Cacau + Sustentável program, for instance, provides training on sustainable agricultural techniques, organic fertilizer use, and integrated disease management, helping producers improve their yields and cocoa quality. Additionally, subsidies are provided for purchasing modern agricultural equipment, fertilizers, and for rehabilitating aging plantations.
7 - Cameroon
Cameroonian cocoa is valued for its robust flavors and distinctive aromas, often used in blends to enhance the taste of chocolate. It contributes 4% to global production, with about 200,000 tons per year.
Cocoa is primarily cultivated in the regions of Centre, South-West, and East. Cameroon invests in training programs to educate cocoa producers on best agricultural practices, disease management, and resource use.
For example, the National Cocoa Development Program provides training on integrated disease management, pruning techniques, and optimized fertilization. These trainings have led to significant improvements in yields and cocoa quality. Cameroon also promotes sustainable agricultural practices such as agroforestry, which integrates cocoa cultivation with other trees and crops. Additionally, the Cocoa Agroforestry Project supports producers in integrating their cocoa plantations with forest trees, enhancing biodiversity and soil conservation.
8 - Peru
Peru is recognized for its production of organic and fair trade cocoa. It contributes 2% to global production, with 140,000 tons per year. It is primarily cultivated in the regions of Amazonas, San Martín, and Huánuco.
Peru focuses on producing high-quality cocoa varieties, such as fine and aromatic cocoas, which are highly sought after in international markets.
For example, Criollo and Nacional are two varieties renowned for their exceptional quality. Criollo, in particular, is valued for its complex aromas and fine flavor. Peru is one of the leading producers of these rare and precious varieties, which helps it stand out in the global market.
9 – Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is the leading cocoa producer in the Caribbean, offering beans often certified as organic and fair trade, with a sweet and fruity flavor. The country contributes 1.5% to global production, with cocoa primarily grown in the regions of Duarte, San Cristóbal, and Santiago.
The Dominican Republic focuses on producing high-quality cocoa, including Criollo and fine flavor varieties, which are highly sought after in international markets for their distinctive taste and unique aromas. The Cacao Farmers Training Program educates farmers on advanced cocoa cultivation techniques, including soil management, pruning, and disease protection.
10 - Colombia
Colombian cocoa is valued for its unique characteristics and its potential for sustainable development. It contributes 1% to global production and is primarily grown in the regions of Antioquia, Santander, and Huila.
Colombia specializes in the production of fine and aromatic cocoas, renowned for their unique aromas and distinctive organoleptic qualities. For example, Trinitario and Criollo cocoa varieties are prominent. The government and international organizations provide financial assistance for purchasing agricultural inputs, rehabilitating plantations, and modernizing equipment.
The Cocoa Development Fund offers grants for plantation modernization and equipment purchase to improve yields and cocoa quality.
Cocoa production is a cornerstone for the economies of many countries, each with its own specifics in terms of quality, agricultural techniques, and challenges. While Ivory Coast and Ghana continue to dominate the global market with 60% share, countries like Indonesia, Ecuador, and Nigeria also play significant roles. Initiatives to improve cocoa quality are continually evolving to support the growth of this vital industry and meet the increasing demand for cocoa-based products in international markets.
Feel free to share this article with chocolate enthusiasts and cocoa producers in your network, and if you don’t want to miss any updates on agricultural economic news, simply activate your notifications.
