Cocoa Procurement Intelligence Report 2025-2030

Cocoa Supply Demand Overview

Key drivers of cocoa procurement report include the growing middle class in emerging economies, where chocolate consumption is rising, and the shift toward dark chocolate, which requires higher cocoa content. The Asia-Pacific and European regions lead in cocoa consumption. These regions lead in both production and consumption, with countries like Germany, the United States, and Indonesia being major markets. 

On the supply side, expansions and production are concentrated in West Africa, with Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria collectively accounting for over 60% of global output. However, climate change, aging trees, and labor challenges pose significant threats to supply stability.

Cocoa Cost Structure

The cost modeling of cocoa production is influenced by raw materials, labor, energy, transportation, and regulatory compliance. Raw materials, including cocoa beans and inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, represent the largest cost component in the cocoa procurement report. Fertilizer costs, driven by global commodity prices, significantly impact production expenses, particularly in regions reliant on imports.

Labor costs are another critical factor, as cocoa farming is labor-intensive and involves planting, harvesting, and processing. In many producing regions, low wages mitigate these costs, but there is increasing pressure to adopt fair trade practices, which may raise labor expenses. Energy costs, especially for drying and processing beans, add to the overall cost structure.

Transportation expenses play a major role in cocoa procurement report, as cocoa is often transported long distances from farms to processing facilities and global markets. Regulatory costs, such as compliance with environmental standards and certifications like organic or fair trade, contribute to the overall cost. Advances in sustainable farming practices and yield improvement initiatives are expected to offset some of these costs over the long term.

Cocoa Pricing Trends

Cocoa prices are highly sensitive to a range of factors, including supply-demand dynamics, climate variability, and geopolitical influences. Recent trends in the cocoa procurement report highlight significant price volatility, largely driven by erratic weather patterns in key cocoa-producing regions such as West Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Unpredictable rainfall, droughts, and shifts in seasonal temperatures have disrupted cocoa harvests, leading to supply shortages. Labor disputes and pest infestations, such as the cocoa pod borer and black pod disease, further compound production challenges, creating an unpredictable supply chain.

The rising global demand for high-quality cocoa products has also put upward pressure on prices. This demand is particularly pronounced in premium chocolate, organic products, and health-focused applications where cocoa is valued for its rich flavor and perceived nutritional benefits. Emerging markets, along with growing interest in artisanal and sustainable chocolate, contribute to this heightened demand.

According to the cocoa procurement report, supply constraints remain a persistent issue, with many cocoa-producing countries facing challenges such as aging cocoa trees, inadequate replanting initiatives, and limited access to modern agricultural practices. These issues reduce productivity and exacerbate supply shortages. Furthermore, increasing transportation and energy costs, driven by inflationary pressures and global trade disruptions, have added to the overall rise in cocoa prices and pricing strategies.

Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to address long-term supply and price stability. Investments in agricultural research are focusing on developing climate-resilient and high-yield cocoa varieties to mitigate the effects of climate change. Sustainability initiatives, such as fair-trade practices and programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, are also gaining traction. These efforts aim to incentivize sustainable production and enhance the resilience of the cocoa supply chain.

Cocoa Procurement Best Practices

Procurement practices in the cocoa procurement report emphasize securing sustainable and reliable supply chains, optimizing costs, and ensuring quality. Key strategies include establishing long-term partnerships with farmers and cooperatives to ensure consistent supply while supporting community development. Certification programs, such as Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade, are prioritized to meet sustainability and ethical sourcing goals.

Diversifying sourcing regions helps mitigate risks associated with climate change and geopolitical instability in major producing countries. Efficient logistics and storage are critical, as cocoa requires careful handling to maintain quality. Advanced procurement tools and equipment, including blockchain technology and digital platforms, enable better traceability, demand forecasting, and cost management, enhancing overall supply chain resilience.

Key Players in the Cocoa Industry

Barry Callebaut AG

The company was founded in 1996 in Hardricourt, France. It is a leading global chocolate and cocoa manufacturer, Barry Callebaut specializes in producing high-quality cocoa products, chocolate fillings, and decorations, serving industries from confectionery to foodservice.

TOUTON S.A.

Founded in 1848 in Bordeaux, France. As per the cocoa procurement report, it is a major player in...

Olam Food Ingredients (ofi)

Founded in 1989, Marina One East Tower, Singapore, the company deals in cocoa and other food ingr...

Cemoi Group

The company, studied in the cocoa procurement report, was established in 1919 in Perpignan, Franc...

Cargill, Incorporated

Founded in 1865 in Minnesota, USA, the company’s cocoa and chocolate division delivers inno...

*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*

Recent Developments in the Cocoa Procurement Report

• As per procurement research, in April 2024, Nestlé S.A. partnered with Cargill, Incorporated, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 through an innovative agroforestry scheme focused on cocoa communities. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to improve environmental practices within the cocoa supply chain, addressing climate change and socio-economic challenges faced by cocoa farmers.
• According to the cocoa procurement report, in September 2023, Cargill, Incorporated entered into a partnership with Nestlé S.A., a Swiss multinational food and beverage corporation. Through this collaboration, Cargill will transform cocoa shells into a low-carbon fertilizer.
• In November 2022, Barry Callebaut announced its expansion with the launch of a new chocolate factory in Rajasthan, India.