Côte d'Ivoire – State of the Cocoa Sector

Côte d'Ivoire is the world's largest cocoa producer, with about 2 million tonnes produced each year, nearly 40% of world production. Cocoa accounts for more than 15% of Ivorian GDP and supports about 25%…

By Alexandre Tano Kan Koffi Published on May 31, 2025 Updated on July 15, 2025 2 min read

Côte d'Ivoire is the world's leading cocoa producer, with about 2 million tonnes produced each year, or nearly 40% of world production. Cocoa accounts for more than 15% of Ivorian GDP and supports about 25% of the working population.

Key production data

Indicator	Estimated value (2022–2024)
Annual production	2.1 to 2.2 million tonnes
Share of the world market	~40%
Annual exports	USD 6.5 billion
Number of producers	~1 million
Area under cultivation	~3 million hectares
Main regions	Nawa, Gôh, Indénié-Djuablin, La Mé
Certified share (RA/FT)	30–35%

History of production

Cocoa was introduced in the late 19th century from Ghana. In 1881, the first plantations appeared at Assinie. After independence (1960), Côte d'Ivoire gradually became the world leader in cocoa from the 1970s.

Production boomed, but new challenges appeared: deforestation, price instability, ageing orchards, and sustainability standards demanded by international markets.

Key players in the sector

Individual producers (the majority)
Farming cooperatives
Private exporters: Cargill, Barry Callebaut, Touton, Olam
Chocolate makers: Nestlé, Mondelez, Ferrero
Institutions: Coffee-Cocoa Council, Ministry of Agriculture
NGOs and partners: Fairtrade Africa, Rainforest Alliance, GIZ

Institutions and regulators

Name	Type	Role	Link
Coffee-Cocoa Council (CCC)	Regulator	Regulation, prices, traceability	Link
FIRCA	Public agency	Innovation & research	Link
ANADER	Technical support	Producer training	Link
CNRA	Research	Selection of high-performing plants	Link