Top 10 Cocoa Producing Countries in the World 2025

In 2025, the global cocoa industry continues to grow, with production reaching unprecedented levels. The total cultivation of cocoa surpassed 5 million tonnes in 2023, equivalent to a whopping 11.023 billion pounds. This growing industry, valued at $16 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $22 billion by 2028, reflecting a robust 7% annual growth rate.

The top 10 cocoa-producing countries in 2025 remain largely consistent with previous years, with some notable shifts in production quantities:

1. Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast): The undisputed leader, producing an impressive 2,377,442 tonnes in 2023. Recent reports indicated a bullish 10% increase in the harvest forecast for 2024-2025.
2. Ghana: The second-largest producer, with 653,700 tonnes in 2023. However, recent warmer-than-usual weather and inadequate rainfall led to a 5% reduction in production estimates.
3. Indonesia: A rising star in the cocoa world, producing 641,741 tonnes in 2023. The country's production is expected to reach 836,000 metric tons by 2026.
4. Ecuador: Known for high-quality cocoa, Ecuador produced 375,719 tonnes in 2023.
5. Brazil: With a production of 296,145 tonnes in 2023, Brazil maintains its position in the top five.
6. Cameroon: Close behind Brazil, Cameroon produced 295,819 tonnes in 2023.
7. Nigeria: With a production of 284,232 tonnes in 2023, Nigeria remains a significant player in the global cocoa market.
8. Peru: Produced 166,709 tonnes in 2023, showcasing steady growth in the industry.
9. Dominican Republic: While smaller in scale, the Dominican Republic produced 65,930 tonnes in 2023, focusing on premium, organic cocoa. Production is projected to rise by 4.4% through 2029.
10. Colombia: Rounding out the top 10 with 59,831 tonnes in 2023.

The cocoa industry faces several challenges, including climate change, price volatility, and sustainability concerns. Deforestation remains a major issue in West Africa, where nearly half of the world's cocoa is produced. For instance, about a third of cocoa farms in Côte d'Ivoire operate on protected forest lands.

Moreover, the industry faces social and economic challenges. In Côte d'Ivoire, farmers often earn only about 5% of the retail price of a chocolate bar, translating to roughly $1.20 per day. This disparity highlights the need for more equitable practices in the global cocoa supply chain.

Despite these challenges, the cocoa industry continues to grow, driven by increasing demand for chocolate and cocoa-based products worldwide. As we move towards 2025, the focus on sustainable practices, fair trade, and innovative cultivation methods will likely shape the future of this vital global industry.