Cocoa eclipses coffee in Côte d'Ivoire

Despite being a major producer of coffee in the early 2000s, Côte d’Ivoire’s coffee production has declined significantly. However, cocoa production is still massively on the rise, cementing the country’s place as the world’s top producer. 

- Janine Ryan

On a global scale, Côte d’Ivoire is perhaps best known for its cocoa production, but the West African country is also a world leader in the cultivation of cashew nuts, and a significant player in coffee production (see table).

With around 50% of the country’s economy reliant on agriculture, the sector remains crucial to the future growth of the country.

COCOA BEANS

According to an article published by The New York Times, Côte d’Ivoire produces around 45% of the world’s cocoa beans. In 2017, the country produced 1,8 million tons of the raw product, and this has since jumped to 2,2 million tons produced in the 2021/22 season. Côte d’Ivoire’s biggest competitor on this market is neighbouring Ghana, which was the world’s leading producer until 1978, when Côte d’Ivoire took the top spot.

Today Ghana produces significantly less cocoa than Côte d’Ivoire, growing an estimated one million tons in 2021/22. Cocoa beans have become Côte d’Ivoire’s biggest export commodity, accounting for around 40% of all export income, and contributing around 15% to the country’s GDP. More than 40% of cocoa beans are ultimately processed in Europe.

COCOA CONSUMPTION

According to the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa, Europe accounts for almost half of global cocoa consumption, followed by the Americas. “As a single country, the US consumes the most cocoa-based products (797 000t), ahead of Germany and France.