Cocoa Sweet Success and Bittersweet Challenges in the Global Chocolate Industry
Cocoa is a highly prized commodity and one of the most popular agricultural products globally. It is derived from the seeds of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao) and plays a pivotal role in the production of chocolate and various other confectionery items. The cocoa industry encompasses the cultivation, processing, and distribution of cocoa beans, as well as the manufacturing and marketing of cocoa-based products. Cocoa cultivation primarily occurs in regions near the equator, known as the "Cocoa Belt." West Africa, including countries such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria, is the largest cocoa-producing region, accounting for a significant portion of global cocoa production. Other notable cocoa-producing regions include Latin America (particularly Brazil and Ecuador) and Asia (such as Indonesia and Malaysia). The cultivation of cocoa involves labor-intensive practices, as it requires specific climatic conditions, including adequate rainfall, humidity, and temperatures be...