Leading Cocoa Countries

Cocoa is an evergreen chocolate tree. It is cultivated in the tropics of both hemispheres for the sake of seeds, which are used in the confectionery industry. It is the main ingredient in chocolate. Approximately 70% of the world's cocoa harvest is harvested in African countries.

Leading Cocoa Countries

The largest producer of cocoa beans is Côte d'Ivoire. This African state accounts for 30% of the annual crop worldwide. About 1 million tons of cocoa are exported annually. It should be noted that the production of beans occurs without the use of agricultural machinery. On plantations, even today, slave labor is used. In 2012, Côte d'Ivoire asked Iran to build a tractor assembly line for the production of agricultural machinery in the country to facilitate the traditional way of cultivating cocoa. According to unofficial data, approximately 800, 000 children are employed in the plantations of the country.

Ghana is an African country, a major exporter of cocoa beans. Located next to Cote d'Ivoire. Each year it produces about 700, 000 tons of raw materials. Half of Ghana's cultivated land is planted with cocoa trees. The country annually increases its cocoa crop. To do this, the government raises salaries for farmers and makes extensive use of fungicides and pesticides. The Ministry of Finance also annually gives out 20 million cocoa seedlings to local farmers free of charge.

Sulawes Island, under Indonesia's wing, is the third largest cocoa producer in the world. However, the volume of the crop is falling every year. Since half of the trees are over the age of 20 years and give little fruit of cocoa beans. And the peasants are slowly switching to other more profitable cultures.