From farmer to producer
Presentation – The Cocoa Industry by Guðbjörg Eggertsdóttir
The cocoa industry is a global network that connects millions of smallholder farmers, traders, manufacturers, and consumers through the production and trade of cocoa beans—the key ingredient in chocolate. — **Overview of the Cocoa Industry**
1. Production
The majority of the world’s cocoa is grown in West Africa, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, which together produce over 60% of global supply. – Other major producers include Indonesia, Nigeria, Ecuador, and Brazil. – Cocoa trees thrive in tropical climates near the equator, requiring consistent rainfall and shade.
2. Supply Chain
Farmers** grow and harvest cocoa pods, ferment and dry the beans. –
Traders and cooperatives** buy beans and sell them to exporters. –
Exporters** ship the beans to processing companies that roast, grind, and refine them into cocoa liquor, butter, and powder. –
Manufacturers** use these ingredients to produce chocolate and other cocoa-based products.
3. Economic and Social Impact** – Cocoa farming supports around 50 million people globally. – However, many farmers live below the poverty line due to volatile prices and unequal value distribution along the supply chain. – Child labor, deforestation, and lack of access to education and healthcare remain major challenges.
4. Sustainability Efforts
Certification programs like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and UTZ aim to improve farmer incomes and promote ethical practices. – Companies are investing in traceability, agroforestry, and climate-resilient farming methods. – There’s a growing movement toward “bean-to-bar” chocolate, emphasizing transparency and direct trade.
5. Market Trends** – Rising demand for premium, organic, and ethically sourced chocolate. – Innovation in plant-based and sugar-free chocolate products. – Increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and social responsibility. — The cocoa industry sits at the intersection of agriculture, economics, and ethics—balancing the joy of chocolate with the responsibility of fair and sustainable production.
Presentation – The Cocoa Industry: From Bean to Bar by Guðbjörg Eggertsdóttir
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