Cocoa facts and figures - Cocoa Platform (2024)

FAQs

What are some important facts about cocoa? ›

Cocoa has been around for thousands of years

Cacao residues on pottery in Ecuador suggest that the plant was consumed by humans as early as 5,000 years ago. It was widely cultivated more than 3,000 years ago by the Maya, Toltec, and Aztec peoples, who prepared a beverage using cocoa beans.

While cacao grows all over the world, according to the International Cocoa Organization, over 60% of the world's production comes from just two West African countries: Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.

The chocolate industry is currently worth around 130 billion dollars and relies on cocoa farmers to keep their supply chain going. On average, cocoa farmers earn less than $1 per day and these below-poverty wages force farmers to seek the employment of children who will receive much less, if any, compensation at all.

Globally, cocoa farmers produce around five million tonnes of cocoa beans per year. The biggest cocoa-growing countries are Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, accounting for nearly 60% of the worldwide cocoa production. More than a third of the cocoa beans are processed in Europe.

THE DIFFERENT CACAO VARIETIES. There are three varieties of Theobroma cacao, as it was officially named in 1753 by the Swedish scientist Carl von Linné. They are Criollo, Forastero and Trinitario, and multiple hybrids exist of each strain.

Côte d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) is the largest producer of cocoa in the world, producing over 2 million tons a year.

Climate change is driving up cocoa prices to historic levels : NPR. Climate change is driving up cocoa prices to historic levels Cocoa prices are on the rise because of changing climate patterns and extreme weather.

The Theobroma cacao tree flourishes in hotter tropical climates (65-90°F) at lower elevations (<2,000ft). It needs a growing area where there is ample rainfall, yet sufficient soil drainage.

Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, together, produce nearly 60% of the world's cocoa each year, but the latest estimates found that 1.56 million children are engaged in child labor on cocoa farms in these two countries. ILAB's work has been essential to confronting the challenge of child labor in West African cocoa.

Growing cocoa is no simple task, which is why we are working with cocoa farmers to help improve their farms. 90% of the world's cocoa beans are harvested on small, family-run farms with less than two hectares of land and an average yield of just 600-800 kg per year. And most of this cocoa comes from West Africa.

How much does 400 cocoa beans make? ›

It takes 400 cocoa beans to make one pound of chocolate. Each cacao tree produces approximately 2,500 beans. Research to date supports that chocolate can be enjoyed as part of a balanced, heart-healthy diet and lifestyle.

Cocoa trees are very different than traditional trees. Cocoa pods hang overhead on their long branches, filled with valuable cocoa beans. Similar to an apple tree, the cocoa tree is a fruit-bearing plant. Therefore, the cocoa seeds used in chocolate are also considered a fruit.

Cacao (or cocoa) beans are technically not beans or legumes, but rather the seeds of the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree. The pod shaped fruit is botanically classified as baccate-like (berry-like) and each pod produces approximately 35-50 seeds surrounded by a sweet pulp [2].

One of the world's most popular products, chocolate, comes from the cacao tree. It is made from cacao beans: The seeds stored in the yellow fruit of the cacao tree. Cacao beans have been eaten by humans for thousands of years. The Mayans and Aztecs mixed ground cacao beans with chilli to make a bitter and spicy drink.

Everyone loves chocolate - and demand for the cocoa bean and butter that is its key ingredient is increasing globally. But producing the cocoa that is eventually included in chocolate bars, cookies, hot chocolate and cakes has a big impact on producers and on the world's forests.

The Mayan civilization worshiped the cocoa tree and gave it the Latin name Cocoa which means “Food of the Gods.” It was used for many different purposes. The Mayans created a ritual beverage made from ground cocoa beans, vanilla beans and other spices. It was shared during betrothal and marriage ceremonies.