Cacao may have its roots in Central and South America, but today’s global supply tells a different story—one that begins in the heart of West Africa. It’s home to three of the world’s top five cacao producers.
Brought to African soil by European colonists in the 19th century, cacao thrives in the region’s hot, humid climate. It’s home to the perfect conditions for growing cacao. So naturally, it took off—reshaping landscapes, livelihoods, and entire economies. But which country produces most cacao?
Today, Côte d’Ivoire is the leading producer of cacao, with Ghana and Nigeria neighbouring powerhouses. Africa grows over two-thirds of the world’s cacao. It’s not just about climate—it’s about millions of smallholder farmers, deep-rooted knowledge, and a continent that fuels the world’s chocolate cravings, bean by bean.
So who else is up there leading the charge? Let’s break down the top five cacao-producing countries— what’s going on in each, and why they matter.
1. Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
2024/25 Production Estimate: ~1.75 million metric tons
Global Share: Nearly 40% (ICCO)
Côte d’Ivoire remains the world’s largest cacao producer, a position built on its vast network of smallholder farmers and favourable growing conditions. But the country is facing increasing pressure as production begins to decline.
The drop in output is linked to a combination of factors: climate change, aging plantations, and the spread of cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) are all taking a toll. At the same time, the sector continues to grapple with serious concerns around deforestation and labour rights. As Reuters reports, unpredictable weather and rising input costs are making recovery even tougher.
Still, progress is underway. Backed by government and industry initiatives, Côte d’Ivoire is working toward more sustainable and ethical cacao production—with greater emphasis on traceability, farmer support, and climate-resilient practices.
2. Ghana
2024/25 Production Estimate: ~617,500 metric tons (Reuters)
Global Share: Between 10.3% and 13.4% (Nasdaq)
Ghana is globally recognised for producing some of the highest-quality cacao beans, prized by premium chocolate makers for their bold flavour and consistent fermentation standards.
However, Ghana’s cacao sector is facing serious challenges. Illegal mining continues to encroach on cocoa farms, while CSSVD, aging tree stock, and unpredictable weather have all contributed to falling yields. These pressures are not just environmental—they’re economic, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers.
Despite these setbacks, Ghana remains a cornerstone of the global cacao supply chain, and efforts to boost resilience, improve disease control, and protect farmland are gaining momentum.
3. Indonesia
Estimated Production (2023/24 season): ~160,000 metric tons
Global Share: Around 3.65% of total global cocoa production
Indonesia, once among the top three cacao producers globally, now contributes a smaller share—but it remains a significant player, especially within Asia. Most of the country’s cacao is grown on Sulawesi Island, where efforts to modernise farming practices have helped improve bean quality in some regions.
Despite these investments, Indonesia’s overall cacao output has been in decline. The drop is driven by a mix of aging cocoa trees, limited access to advanced farming tools, and persistent issues with pests and disease. According to Indonesia Investments, reversing this trend will require deeper support for smallholder farmers and greater focus on sustainable cultivation techniques.
4. Ecuador
Estimated Production (2023/24 season): ~430,000 metric tons.
Global Share: About 10% of global cocoa production.
Ecuador is the largest cacao producer in Latin America and a global leader in fine flavour cacao. The country is known for its prized Nacional cacao variety, used by many artisanal and bean-to-bar chocolate makers.
Unlike many large producers, Ecuador has focused heavily on quality, genetic diversity, and traceability. However, its industry is not without challenges. Farmers face climate-related threats, including floods and droughts, along with the spread of monilia and witches’ broom diseases. Despite this, Ecuador’s commitment to high standards and sustainability keeps it in high demand among premium chocolate brands.
5. Nigeria
Annual Production: ~280,000 metric tons.
Nigeria stands as Africa’s third-largest cacao producer and ranks among the top five globally. The majority of its cacao is cultivated by smallholder farmers in the southwestern states, notably Ondo, Osun, and Cross River. Despite favourable climatic conditions, the sector faces persistent challenges such as aging plantations, limited access to modern farming inputs, and inadequate infrastructure. Efforts are underway to revitalise the industry through initiatives aimed at improving yield and quality, but progress is gradual.
Emerging Cacao Producers to Watch
New players are rising in the cacao world, adding diversity and exciting flavours to global supply chains:
Peru and Colombia – Gaining fame for specialty cacao and fine-flavour beans.
Cameroon and Uganda – Improving cacao yields with better agricultural practices.
Philippines and Vietnam – Emerging as sources of premium, fine-flavour cacao.
These countries are helping broaden the global cacao map and offering chocolate makers new flavour profiles to explore.
Key Factors That Influence Cacao Production
Cacao production estimates are not an exact science. There are plenty of factors at play that make harvests increasingly unpredictable. Some key factors that influence cacao production include:
Climate and Weather: Stable tropical conditions are essential for cacao tree health.
Farming Practices: Sustainable farming can enhance yields and protect ecosystems.
Economic Stability: Investments in infrastructure and farmer training boost production.
Market Demand: Global chocolate cravings continue to fuel cacao cultivation.
Environmental Pressures: Deforestation and climate change pose ongoing threats.
In 2024 and 2025, chocolate prices are reaching historic highs — and it’s not just inflation. The cocoa bean shortage is being driven by a perfect storm of factors: extreme weather linked to climate change, aggressive crop diseases, and land loss to illegal mining. These issues have slashed cocoa production in key countries, causing the global supply to shrink dramatically. As supply falls and demand for chocolate stays strong (or even grows), cocoa prices rise — and that higher cost moves all the way down the chain to chocolate lovers everywhere.
WHY KNOW WHERE YOUR CHOCOLATE COMES FROM?
Understanding which country produces most cacao isn’t just trivia — it’s central to the future of chocolate. Cacao farming supports millions of livelihoods, drives economies, and impacts the environment.
Consumers and chocolate companies alike are increasingly paying closer attention to ethical sourcing, fair labour practices, and sustainable farming. Choosing chocolate brands that prioritise these values can create real change for farmers and the planet.
At The Cocoa Circle, we’re doing all we can to ensure better outcomes for both. By taking steps to reduce the number of middlemen taking a cut, directly supporting cocoa farmers through sustainability microprojects, and spreading awareness about conscious cocoa — we’re building a movement for change that prioritises the people at the start of the supply chain.
