West Africa Cocoa Processing Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

West Africa Cocoa Processing Market Outlook

The West Africa cocoa processing market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2025 and 2034.

Key Takeaways:

• As per industry reports, approximately 75% of the world's cocoa production originates from West Africa, with notable growth seen in cocoa production in Cote d'Ivoire since the 2005/06 harvest season, increasing by around 700,000 tonnes to reach 2.2 million tonnes by 2021/22.

• In Ghana, cocoa cultivation provides essential support to around 800,000 farm families across six out of sixteen regions. This crop is a cornerstone of Ghana's economy, contributing approximately USD 2 billion in foreign exchange annually and making significant contributions to government revenue and GDP. In real terms, cocoa's contribution to Ghana's GDP in 2021 amounted to GHS3.1 billion, equivalent to approximately USD 533 million.

• During the 2020/2021 crop season, Ghana produced slightly over one million metric tons of cocoa beans, highlighting the substantial economic influence and pivotal role of cocoa cultivation in the region's agricultural sector and broader economy.

Cocoa processing involves converting cocoa beans into various products like cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder, rich in theobromine and polyphenols, offering health benefits such as blood pressure control and cognitive enhancement. Cocoa-derived products are widely used in food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries driving the West Africa cocoa processing market.

West Africa, particularly Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, dominates cocoa production, accounting for 75% of global output. Cocoa cultivation is crucial for the economies of these countries, contributing significantly to GDP and employing millions of smallholder farmers.

The cocoa processing industry is divided into two key segments: cocoa grinding and industrial chocolate manufacturing. Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are major players in cocoa grinding globally. Industrial chocolate manufacturing involves producing large batches of chocolate, known as couverture, which requires precise formulations of cocoa, sugar, milk, and other ingredients.

Favourable climatic conditions and government initiatives in countries like Nigeria support cocoa farming, aiming to improve productivity and bean quality. Cocoa's growing popularity extends beyond food to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, with cocoa-based products favoured for their anti-aging and moisturizing properties.

The West Africa cocoa processing market development continues to expand, driven by increasing demand for cocoa-based products in diverse industries and regions, including the rising adoption of Western food trends and the use of cocoa in skincare and pharmaceutical applications.

Market Segmentation

West Africa Cocoa Processing Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Bean Type

• Forastero

• Criollo

• Trinitario

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Cocoa Butter

• Cocoa Liquor

• Cocoa Powder

Market Breakup by Application

• Confectionery

• Bakery

• Beverages

• Pharmaceuticals

• Others

Market Breakup by Country

• Ghana

• Côte d'Ivoire

• Nigeria

• Liberia

• Algeria

• Guinea

• Others

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the cocoa processing market in West Africa produce and process cocoa beans and offer products to support the end users in the market.

• Touton S.A

• Barry Callebaut AG

• Olam Group

• Niche Cocoa Gh. Ltd 

• Cargill Inc. 

• Ivory Cocoa Products (ICP)

• PLOT Enterprise (Ghana) Limited

• Cocoa Processing Company Limited

• Liberia Cocoa Corporation

• Others

Key Highlights of the Report