Cocoa: Ivory Coast adjusts its model in response to new market demands

As the world’s top cocoa producer, Ivory Coast heavily relies on this sector, which accounts for over 40% of its export revenues. However, the evolution of global prices and new rules imposed by importing markets are prompting Abidjan to gradually rethink the organization and marketing tools of the sector.

With just a few weeks to go before the launch of the main campaign for 2026/2027, the new national traceability system is being deployed in several production areas. Operations are particularly underway in Divo and Facobly, two locations situated in major cocoa basins.

This system aims to better document the journey of cocoa, from the farm to the initial marketing stage. The available information does not yet specify all the technical modalities or the complete timeline for the generalization of the system.

A sector confronted with price volatility

The dependence of the Ivorian economy on cocoa exposes the country to fluctuations in the global market. Price variations directly influence producers’ incomes, export revenues, and the financial balance of the sector.

In the face of this instability, authorities are seeking to enhance the competitiveness of the Ivorian model by improving knowledge of production and the transparency of trade circuits. Traceability is also a tool designed to meet the growing demands of buyers and international regulators.

The new requirements of the global market mainly focus on the ability to identify the origin of the beans and document the conditions under which they were produced. Their implementation represents a significant challenge to maintain access for Ivorian cocoa to major international markets.

The deployment of the system thus serves as a gradual adaptation of the sector to these commercial and regulatory constraints. The results will depend notably on the effective coverage of production areas and the integration of producers and operators into the new system.