Top 5 Cocoa Producing Countries In The World

In this article, we will be taking a look at the top 5 cocoa producing countries in the world. If you wish to see the detailed analysis on the cocoa market, head straight to the Top 20 Cocoa Producing Countries In The World.

5. Ecuador  

Total Cocoa Production: 302,093 tons  

Ecuador ranks fifth globally in cocoa production, yielding more than 300,000 tons annually. It is renowned for its high-quality, fine-flavored cocoa beans in the coastal region and the Amazon basin. It dominates as the world’s largest exporter of fine-flavored cocoa beans. Ecuador’s cocoa is esteemed for its unique flavor profile and top-notch quality.

4. Brazil  

Total Cocoa Production: 302,157 tons 

Brazil is one of the top cocoa producing countries in the world. In 2021, Brazil produced 302,157 tons of Cocoa beans. The production underscores Brazil’s importance in the global cocoa market.

3. Indonesia  

Total Cocoa Production: 728,046 tons  

Indonesia’s cocoa sector is driven by smallholder farmers, who contribute about 90% to the country’s cocoa production, although their limited resources have led to declining productivity per hectare. The primary cocoa-producing region is Sulawesi, responsible for approximately 75% of the nation’s cocoa output. In 2022, Indonesia’s cocoa bean exports were valued at around 63.85 million U.S. dollars. 

2. Ghana  

Total Cocoa Production: 822,000 tons  

Ghana, standing second on our list, is one of the top cocoa producing countries in the world, yielding 822,000 tons in 2021. The Cocoa Processing Company Limited (CPC) is Ghana’s largest cocoa processor, handling over 64,000 metric tons of cocoa beans in 2018/2019. Initiatives like Cocoa Life aim to promote financial stability in cocoa communities. Strategies to boost cocoa farming profits include soil fertility improvement, high-yield cocoa varieties, and good agricultural practices.

1. Ivory Coast  

Total Cocoa Production: 2,200,000 tons  

Cocoa production in Ivory Coast is a significant economic driver, employing over five million people and contributing 40% of national export income. However, the sector faces challenges, and Ivory Coast receives a small fraction of the global cocoa industry’s profits despite supplying 40% of the world’s cocoa. Production has grown substantially, with an expected drop due to poor weather conditions. Many Ivorian cocoa farmers live in poverty, earning an average of $0.78 daily, according to Al-Jazeera. The country is emerging as a leader in cocoa processing and may soon surpass the Netherlands in cocoa grinding capacity. 

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