A new collaboration between Brazil and Côte d’Ivoire marks a significant turning point in the cocoa industry. Brazil, aspiring to strengthen its position in the global cocoa market, seeks the expertise of Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer, to improve its cultivation and processing practices. To discuss the collaboration, the DG of the Ivorian Coffee-Cocoa Council, Mr. KONE Brahima Yves, welcomed a significant delegation from the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

Context of Cocoa Production

Cocoa is one of the world’s most valuable crops, with a market value estimated at 100 billion USD in 2023. Côte d’Ivoire, with an annual production of about 2 million tons, represents nearly 40 % of global production. Conversely, Brazil, which was once a major player in cocoa production, saw its output decline over the past decades, reaching approximately 250,000 tons in 2023.

This decrease is due to various factors, including plant diseases, outdated agricultural practices, and increased global competition. In contrast, Côte d’Ivoire has developed modern and sustainable agricultural techniques, allowing it to maintain its leading position.

Objectives of the Collaboration

The agreement between Brazil and Côte d’Ivoire aims to achieve several key objectives.

• Technology Transfer: Côte d’Ivoire has recognized expertise in cocoa cultivation, particularly in disease control and yield improvement. Brazil hopes to benefit from this knowledge to revitalize its plantations.
• Yield Improvement: Currently, the average yield in Brazil is about 400 kg per hectare, while in Côte d’Ivoire, it reaches 600 kg per hectare. The goal is to increase this figure in Brazil through improved agricultural practices.
• Sustainability: Côte d’Ivoire has implemented initiatives to make cocoa cultivation more sustainable, integrating agroforestry practices and reducing the use of chemicals. Brazil aims to adopt these methods to meet the growing demand for ethical and sustainable products.
• Capacity Building: Training programs will be established for Brazilian farmers, enabling them to acquire skills in cocoa cultivation, harvesting, and processing.

Key Figures

• Global Cocoa Production: In 2023, global cocoa production was about 5 million tons.
• Market Share: Côte d’Ivoire holds 40 % of the global market, followed by Ghana (20 %) and Indonesia (10 %).
• Yield: The average yield in Côte d’Ivoire is 600 kg/ha, compared to 400 kg/ha in Brazil.
• Market Value: The chocolate market, which uses cocoa as a raw material, is estimated at 150 billion USD in 2023, with a projected growth of 4 % per year.

Challenges to Optimize Cocoa Production

Although this collaboration is promising, several challenges must be addressed.

• Climate Change: Changing climatic conditions can affect cocoa production in both countries. It is essential to develop cocoa varieties resistant to diseases and extreme weather conditions.
• Infrastructure: Brazil needs to improve its transportation and processing infrastructure to facilitate farmers’ access to markets.
• Funding: Funding for projects to improve agricultural and processing practices will be crucial. Both countries will need to explore partnerships with international organizations and private investors.
• Farmer Awareness: It is essential to raise awareness among Brazilian farmers about the benefits of new agricultural practices.

Perspectives for Cocoa Sector Development

The collaboration between Brazil and Côte d’Ivoire could transform the cocoa industry in both countries. For Brazil, it represents an opportunity to revitalize a crop that has been neglected for years. For Côte d’Ivoire, it is a chance to share its expertise and strengthen its trade relations with an emerging country.

Moreover, this cooperation could also have a positive impact on farming communities. By improving yields and adopting sustainable practices, farmers could see their incomes increase, contributing to poverty reduction in rural areas.

Conclusion

The agreement between Brazil and Côte d’Ivoire for cocoa exploitation is an initiative that could redefine the cocoa industry’s landscape. By combining Côte d’Ivoire’s expertise with Brazil’s resources, this collaboration could not only improve cocoa production but also promote sustainable and ethical practices in the sector. As the world continues to shift towards sustainable food products, this cooperation could become a model for other cocoa-producing countries to follow.