The sheer scale and volume of cocoa production is remarkable. As of 2023, the total cultivation of cocoa is over 5 million tonnes per year. To put that in perspective, that's equivalent to 11.023 billion pounds. In monetary terms, cocoa production reached an astounding $16 billion in 2023, with projections indicating a rise to $22 billion by 2028, reflecting a seven percent increase in value per year. Cocoa’s versatility is unmatched, serving as the foundation for beloved products like chocolate, cocoa powder, and cocoa butter, as well as cocoa-based beverages such as hot cocoa, smoothies, and even energy drinks. Beyond the culinary world, cocoa’s fatty acids and beneficial properties make it a sought-after ingredient in cosmetic products. Fascinatingly, nearly half of the world’s cocoa comes from just two countries, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. This article will delve into the top 10 cocoa-producing countries across the globe, highlighting their contributions to this thriving industry.

Côte d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, stands in a league of its own as the world's biggest supplier of cocoa beans, with exports valued at $3.33 billion in 2023. Raw cocoa beans make up 70% of exports, while cocoa paste accounts for 12% and cocoa butter for 7%. The industry has a wide network of stakeholders, including 200,000 farmers in the Cocoa Life community, a network dedicated to building partnerships and new initiatives for the betterment of all stakeholders. In recent years, the West African nation has dealt with a wide array of geopolitical challenges and the effects of anthropogenic climate change. However, the overall situation remains stable and conducive to continued production growth. An October report from 2024 highlighted a bullish 10% increase in the harvest forecast for 2024-2025, following a new pod count, which involves assessing the number of cocoa pods on trees during a specific period.