The top 10 cocoa producing countries list in 2026 include Ivory Coast, Ghana and Indonesia, amongst the top 3 cocoa producing countries in the world.
The top 10 list has seen some big shake-ups lately! While the Ivory Coast remains the world leader, Ecuador has shot up the rankings. It has overtaken Indonesia and is now battling Ghana for the silver medal. Meanwhile, Mexico has slipped further down to 13th place, while countries like Nigeria and Cameroon are working hard to modernise their farms.
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Where in the world is cocoa grown?
Over 4.4 million tonnes of cocoa are produced each year and all of this production takes place in relatively small strip of the world - about 20 degrees both sides from the equator.
Chocolate is produced from cocoa beans which grow on cacao trees. These are only found in a narrow band either side of the Equator and require hot, and rainy humid conditions to bear fruit. This is a little known fact about chocolate, but the cocoa trees require such specific conditions that they simply don't grow naturally anywhere else.
Cacao trees were first cultivated in Central America around 1,500 BC, but today, four of the five top cocoa producing nations are in West Africa.
You might recognise some of these names, such as Equador, Peru or Madagascar as a name for chocolate bar. This is because so called ‘origins’ chocolates are usually named after the country in which they were grown.
When I'm tasting chocolate to make my chocolate truffles, I really appreciate how each chocolate bar taste very different and has a completely different chocolate flavour. The flavour of each chocolate depends on where the cacao plant has grown and how the cacao bean has been produced.
The top 10 cocoa producing countries in the world (2026)
These are the heavyweights that provide the bulk of the world's chocolate.
- Ivory Coast – 1,850,000 tonnes
- Ghana – 700,000 tonnes
- Ecuador – 650,000 tonnes
- Indonesia – 420,000 tonnes
- Nigeria – 310,000 tonnes
- Cameroon – 305,000 tonnes
- Brazil – 290,000 tonnes
- Peru – 170,000 tonnes
- Dominican Republic – 82,000 tonnes
- Colombia – 73,000 tonnes
(Figures for 2025/26 are from the UN Food and Agriculture and the values are in metric tons).
1. Ivory Coast - 1,800,000
Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d'Ivoire, is the world's leading cocoa producer, accounting for almost 40 - 45% of global cocoa production as of 2021 and holding it's position to 2026. This is despite the fact that during the 2023/24 season, production dropped by about 25% due to bad weather. The total production is about half a million tonnes more than the next biggest producer, Ghana.
Cocoa production is a significant contributor to Ivory Coast's economy, with over 5-6 million Ivorians employed in the cocoa sector (that's nearly one in five people). The income from cocoa is very important as it's is about 14% of Ivory Coast's GDP and roughly 40% of its export earnings.
However, cocoa production in Ivory Coast is not without its challenges. The industry has been plagued by issues such as child labor, deforestation, and low prices paid to farmers. Efforts have been made to address these issues, such as the Cocoa and Forests Initiative, which aims to eliminate deforestation from cocoa production in Ivory Coast and Ghana.
The good news is that Ivory Coast is now strictly following new EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) rules. This means that if they want to sell cocoa in Europe in 2026, they must prove no forests were cut down for the cocoa.
Originally set for late 2024, the rules for large companies now come into full force on 30 December 2025, with smaller businesses having until June 2026. Ivory Coast has been racing to issue digital ID cards to over 900,000 farmers to track exactly where every bag of cocoa comes from using GPS.
In terms of production, Ivory Coast is increasing its domestic cocoa processing capacity, with plans to process 50% of its cocoa production domestically. By 2025, they became the world's leading cocoa grinder, overtaking the Netherlands. They are on track with their plans and currently processing nearly 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes locally.
The country has also been investing in research and development to improve cocoa yields and quality, with the goal of increasing production while also promoting sustainability.
2. Ghana - 700,000
Most of Ghana's of cocoa production comes from small holders who live and work on their own plantations.
Ghana is one of the world's top cocoa producers, with cocoa being a major contributor to the country's economy. Ghana is the second-leading world cocoa producer, with an annual minimum cocoa beans output of 425-530,000 metric tons. Cocoa production in Ghana has grown significantly over the years, with an average growth rate of 16% between 2000 and 2003.
Saying that, the last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster for Ghanaian cocoa. The industry has been hit by climate change - unusual droughts and heavy rains have made it harder for trees to grow. There was also the swollen shoot virus, which is a nasty disease that has forced farmers to cut down millions of infected trees.
Since cocoa has a long production cycle, and new hybrid varieties need over five years to come into production, and a further 10 to 15 years for the tree to reach its full bearing potential, it hasn't been easy to re-establish the damaged cocoa plantations. This was the main reason why the cocoa production has dropped in recent years.
Despite the challenges, Ghana continues to invest in its cocoa sector to improve productivity and sustainability. For example, there are ongoing efforts to make cocoa production in Ghana more sustainable and support small-scale farmers with micro-loans.
Cocoa Life, an initiative by Mondelez International, has also been active in Ghana since 2008, supporting cocoa farmers and their communities. As of the end of 2021, there were 81,159 farmers participating in Cocoa Life across 818 communities in Ghana.
Sadly the cocoa industry in Gnana is facing a huge issue in 2026 - illegal gold mining, known locally as galamsey. Miners often offer farmers quick cash to dig up their cocoa trees for gold, which has destroyed over 30,000 hectares of prime cocoa land and polluted the water used for irrigation.
To stop farmers from smuggling beans into neighbouring countries, the Ghanaian government (COCOBOD) raised the "farmgate price" by over 60% for the 2025/26 season. Farmers are now getting much better pay, which is helping them fight the temptation to sell their land to miners.
There is also a new "Ghana Cocoa Traceability System" starting in 2026. This uses digital tech to track every bag of cocoa from the farm to the chocolate factory, ensuring it's grown ethically and without destroying forests.
3. Ecuador - 650,000
Ecuador is the biggest success story in the cocoa world right now. In just a few years, it has shot up the rankings to challenge Ghana for the number two spot globally.
What makes Ecuador special is its "fine flavour" cocoa. While most of the world grows "bulk" cocoa for standard chocolate bars, Ecuador is the king of Nacional (Arriba) cocoa, which is prized by luxury chocolate makers for its floral and fruity scent.
Saying that, much of the recent growth comes from a variety called CCN-51, which is incredibly hardy and produces many more beans than older trees. Farmers use "agroforestry," which means planting cocoa alongside fruit and shade trees. This keeps the soil healthy and protects against disease.
Ecuadorian farms now produce about 800kg of cocoa per hectare, which is nearly double what farms in Ghana typically produce.
Ecuador's cocoa production has significantly risen in the recent years from about 128,000 metric tons in 2018 to the 205 - 250,000 metric tons in 2024 and 650,000 in 2026.
One reason Ecuador is doing so well is that its farmers get a much better deal. In 2025/26, Ecuadorian farmers received about 90% of the world market price for their beans. In Ivory Coast and Ghana, farmers often only get 60–70% because the government sets the prices. This extra money allows Ecuadorian farmers to invest more in better tools and fertilisers.
Cocoa production in Ecuador is primarily carried out by small-scale farmers, with many farms located in the coastal region of the country. The government has implemented various initiatives to support cocoa farmers, including the National Cocoa Plan, which aims to increase cocoa production and promote sustainability. The plan includes measures such as providing technical assistance to farmers, promoting good agricultural practices, and supporting research and development.
The country continues to invest in the industry, with initiatives such as the Cocoa Route, which aims to promote tourism in cocoa-growing regions and support local farmers. There are also efforts to promote sustainability in cocoa production, with initiatives such as the Cocoa and Forests Initiative, which aims to eliminate deforestation from cocoa production.
New climate-smart projects launched in 2025 are helping over 2,800 farmers protect their crops from the unpredictable "El Niño" weather.
4. Indonesia - 400,000
Indonesia's journey with cocoa is quite a story! Back in the early 1980s, the country hardly grew any cocoa at all. Then, it suddenly boomed to become the third-biggest producer in the world. However, in 2026, the situation looks a bit different. Production has dropped from those high numbers of 700,000 tonnes down to around 400,000 tonnes, and the country has slipped into 4th place behind Ecuador.
There are two main reasons for this dip. First, many of the trees planted during the 1980s "boom" are now getting old and tired, which means they produce fewer pods and less cocoa beans are harvested. Second, many Indonesian farmers are choosing to switch to other crops like palm oil or rubber, which can sometimes be easier to manage and earn more money.
Even though they are growing fewer beans, Indonesia is becoming a "chocolate powerhouse" in a different way. Instead of just exporting raw beans, they are now one of the world's biggest cocoa processors. This means they have built massive factories to turn the beans into cocoa butter and powder right there at home. So, while they might be lower on the "harvest list" than they used to be, they are still a very big deal in the global chocolate world!
5. Nigeria - 310,000
Nigeria is a major player in the cocoa world, usually sitting comfortably as the 5th largest producer globally. While it has big ambitions to overtake some of its neighbours, production has been a bit of a see-saw lately. After reaching highs of over 400,000 tonnes in previous years, the current 2025/26 forecast is around 305,000 tonnes. This slight dip is mostly due to some very dry weather and the fact that many of Nigeria's cocoa trees are getting a bit old and "retired."
Most Nigerian cocoa is grown by families on small farms, especially in the sunny southwestern parts of the country. To help these farmers, the government has been setting up a new National Cocoa Board. This is a big deal because it helps farmers get a better price for their beans and provides them with modern tools and "climate-smart" seeds that can survive tougher weather.
What's new in 2026? Nigeria is working hard to meet the new European sustainability rules (EUDR). Since Europe buys over 60% of Nigeria's cocoa, the country is using GPS and satellite tech to map out its farms. This proves to chocolate makers in the UK and Europe that the cocoa was grown responsibly without cutting down any forests. Nigeria is also starting to grind more of its own beans into cocoa butter and powder at home, which helps create more jobs for local people!
6. Cameroon - 300,000
It is time to travel from the Americas to West Africa, the heart of the world’s chocolate production. In a truly historic move, Cameroon has officially crossed the 300,000-tonne mark for the first time!
This is a huge achievement, especially since people once feared that old trees and a lack of new land would cause the industry to shrink. Instead, Cameroon has proven to be incredibly resilient, solidifying its place as the 5th largest producer in Africa and a major global player.
One of the biggest reasons for this success in 2026 is that Cameroon's farmers are among the best-paid in the world. Recently, prices reached record levels, giving over 600,000 farming families a massive financial boost.
This extra money has allowed them to invest in better fertilisers and new trees, which is helping to solve the problem of aging orchards. In a surprising shift, cocoa has even overtaken oil to become the country's top export, bringing in more money for the nation than anything else.
Cameroon is also famous for its unique "red" cocoa beans. These beans have a distinct, punchy flavour that is highly prized by expert chocolate makers in Europe for making rich cocoa powder. In a very proud moment for the country, the International Cocoa Organization recently admitted Cameroon into the exclusive "fine cocoa" club. This means their beans are now officially recognised for their high quality and wonderful aroma, much like a fine wine.
Looking to the future, Cameroon is no longer just shipping raw beans away; they are now grinding more of their own cocoa at home—over 100,000 tonnes a year! This creates more local jobs and means more profit stays within the country. They are also using clever GPS technology to map every farm to make sure they follow new environmental rules. By protecting their forests while growing record amounts of cocoa, Cameroon is showing the world that you can have a "cocoa boom" that is also good for the planet.
7. Brazil - 290,000
Brazil is having a really exciting comeback in 2026! For a long time, the country’s cocoa industry was struggling, but thanks to some clever new farming ideas and record-high prices, it is climbing back up the global rankings.
In 2026, Brazil has moved up to become the 5th or 6th largest cocoa producer in the world, with production hitting around 275,000 to 296,000 tonnes. While it used to be a country that imported more than it exported, Brazil is now working harder than ever to become a global leader again. The government has set a massive goal to double production by 2030, aiming to turn Brazil back into a major world exporter.
Brazil is also unique because it is one of the few places in the world that does everything—they grow the beans, grind them into powder, and make the finished chocolate bars all in the same country!
The state of Bahia is still a huge producer, but it now shares the spotlight with Pará, which has grown to produce nearly half of Brazil's cocoa. One reason for this success is the move toward "full-sun" planting in places like Western Bahia. By using high-tech irrigation and plenty of sunlight, farmers can grow many more trees in a smaller space compared to traditional methods.
At the same time, Brazil is a leader in "Cabruca" farming, where cocoa trees are grown under the shade of the original wild rainforest. This helps protect the jungle and keeps the soil healthy while producing delicious, high-quality beans.
Brazil's cocoa is famous for its unique flavour, often described as fruity and bright, which makes it a favourite for luxury chocolate makers.
In 2026, the country is also using its advanced technology to meet the new European sustainability rules (EUDR). By using satellite mapping and digital records, Brazil is proving that its cocoa is "deforestation-free." This is helping them sell more to the UK and Europe.
Even though Brazilians love eating their own chocolate (they are the 5th biggest chocolate consumers in the world!), their new, modern farms are finally producing enough to share more of their wonderful "sun-grown" cocoa with the rest of the planet.
8. Peru - 170,000
Peru has seen incredible growth in the last few years, and in 2026, it is officially one of the most exciting "flavour" origins in the world. While it used to sit lower on the list, it has now firmly secured its spot in the global top ten, producing around 170,000 tonnes of cocoa. This is a massive jump from the 71,000 tonnes it produced just a decade ago. Peru is now famous for being the world's leading producer of organic cocoa, making it a favourite for health-conscious chocolate lovers and artisan makers who want the cleanest beans possible.
One of the main reasons for this success is a huge shift in what farmers choose to grow. In the past, many farmers in the Amazon regions of Peru grew other, more controversial crops. However, with help from the government and international programmes, thousands of families have switched to cocoa. This "alternative development" has been a win-win, as it provides a legal, steady income for farmers while also protecting the beautiful Peruvian rainforest. Most of this cocoa is grown on small family farms where the beans are harvested by hand with great care.
Peru is also big on cocoa diversity, as it grows six of the ten genetic families of cacao. This includes the incredibly rare Piura Blanco (a white cocoa bean) and the Chuncho variety, which is often called the finest-tasting cocoa in the world.
In 2026, Peru is using this reputation for quality to its advantage. Instead of competing with the giant "bulk" producers in West Africa, Peru focuses on "fine and flavour" beans that sell for much higher prices to luxury chocolatiers in the UK and Europe.
In terms of sustainability, Peru is leading the way in South America. The country has implemented a national digital system to track cocoa from the farm to the ship, ensuring every bag is "deforestation-free" to meet the new EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) rules. By combining ancient, rare tree varieties with modern digital tracking, Peru has turned its cocoa industry into a model of how to grow high-value chocolate while keeping the Amazon jungle standing.
9. Dominican Republic - 80,000
In 2026, the Dominican Republic remains a true champion of ethical chocolate. While it might not produce the massive volumes seen in West Africa, it has carved out a special place as a world leader in high-quality, organic, and Fairtrade cocoa. In fact, if you are buying an organic chocolate bar in the UK today, there is a very good chance the beans came from this beautiful island nation!
As of 2026, the country is ranked as the 9th largest cocoa producer in the world, with an annual output of around 80,000 tonnes. While other countries focus on quantity, the Dominican Republic focuses on care. Over 40,000 small family farms work together through cooperatives like "FUNDOPO." By joining forces, these farmers can share tools, training, and—most importantly—ensure they receive a fair price that is often much higher than the standard global market rate.
The Dominican Republic is particularly famous for its "Hispaniola" bean. This isn't just any cocoa; it is a well-fermented bean that gives chocolate a deep, fruity, and slightly spicy flavour. Because the farmers take so much time to ferment and dry the beans properly, their cocoa is highly sought after by luxury "bean-to-bar" makers.
In 2026, the country is also celebrating a big win: it has successfully digitised its supply chain. Every bag of cocoa can now be traced back to the exact farm it came from using a barcode system, making it fully compliant with the new EU Deforestation Regulations (EUDR).
However, being an island in the Caribbean means the weather can be a bit of a challenge. In recent years, farmers have had to deal with more intense storms and unpredictable rain. To stay strong, they have embraced "agroforestry," which means planting cocoa trees alongside taller fruit and timber trees. These taller trees act like a natural umbrella, protecting the delicate cocoa from wind and heat. This clever way of farming doesn't just save the cocoa—it also provides the farmers with extra food like avocados and bananas to eat or sell, making their lives much more secure.
10. Colombia - 62,000
Colombia is currently the 10th largest cocoa producer in the world, and it is growing fast! For a long time, Colombia was famous for other things, but today, cocoa is the country's "peace crop." Over the last few years, thousands of farmers have stopped growing illegal crops and started planting cocoa trees instead. This change has helped over 65,000 families find a safe, legal way to make a living while also helping the country stay at peace.
What makes Colombian cocoa truly special is its incredible quality. Nearly all of the cocoa grown here is classified as "Fino de Aroma" (Fine Aroma). This is a very rare title that only about 8% of the world's cocoa receives! It means the beans have a wonderful smell and a complex flavour that can range from flowery to nutty. Because it tastes so good, Colombian cocoa sells for a much higher price than standard beans, which is great news for the small family farms that grow it.
Colombia is also leading the way in "climate-smart" farming. As the weather gets warmer, many coffee farmers are moving their crops higher up the mountains, leaving space for cocoa trees to thrive in the valleys. These farmers use agroforestry, planting cocoa under the shade of native trees. This doesn't just produce great chocolate; it also helps the soil stay healthy and provides a home for local birds and wildlife. In 2026, Colombia is even using special "zero-deforestation" systems to prove to the world that their chocolate is helping to save the planet.
Even though Colombia is 10th on the list, it is a giant when it comes to technology and taste. The country has its own world-class research centres that create new, stronger cocoa trees that can resist disease. They are also making a name for themselves by producing their own luxury chocolate bars right in the country. By turning their own beans into finished treats, Colombia is keeping more of the value at home and showing the world that they are much more than just a source of raw ingredients!
Why Mexico cocoa production declined?
As I mentioned before, Mexico has unfortunately dropped from the top 10 cocoa producing countries, so I wanted to know why.
Mexico has a truly fascinating history with chocolate—after all, the word "cacao" actually comes from the Olmec and Maya people who lived there thousands of years ago! It is a bit sad to see such a legendary chocolate home drop out of the top 10, but in 2026, it is currently sitting at 14th place in the world.
The biggest reason for this decline wasn't just one thing, but a "perfect storm" of bad luck. Back in the 1980s, the government encouraged farmers to swap their cocoa trees for things like coffee and bananas because they thought they would make more money.
Then, in 2005, a very nasty fungal disease called "Frosty Pod Rot" (rather than Witches' Broom, which is more common in Brazil) arrived in Mexico. It spread like wildfire, sometimes destroying 90% of the harvest! Because it was so hard to fight, many farmers simply gave up and moved to the big cities to find other work.
In 2026, Mexico is also facing a new challenge: the weather is getting much hotter and drier. Cocoa trees are a bit like Goldilocks—they don't like it too hot or too cold, and they need just the right amount of rain. Because of the "pressure cooker" heat in states like Chiapas and Tabasco, the delicate flowers on the trees are struggling to turn into cocoa pods. This has caused harvests to drop to around 28,000 tonnes, which is tiny compared to the giants like the Ivory Coast.
But don't lose hope for Mexican chocolate! There is some really lovely news too. Mexico is now focusing on quality over quantity. Instead of trying to make millions of cheap chocolate bars, they are protecting their ancient "Criollo" trees, which produce some of the rarest and most delicious cocoa in the world.
I like to see that the initiatives like the "Cocoa Route" are inviting tourists to visit farms and see how real chocolate is made, helping farmers earn more money. By 2026, Mexico has become a "boutique" producer—it might not be the biggest anymore, but for chocolate lovers, it is still one of the most important places on Earth!
The rest of the cocoa producing countries
The top 10 countries produce the most amount of the cocoa production each year. But there are not the only countries that grow and produce cocoa. There are 48 more countries that produce cocoa with the annual output of 44,504 tonnes to as little as 1 ton.
Some of the more specialist chocolates with unique flavours come from these countries, which is why I think they deserve their place on the list. I often use single origin chocolates from the smaller producers and I always found the quality really good.
The big news for 2026 is that several "smaller" countries have see a great improvements in their world chocolate production ranking. For example, Uganda and Papua New Guinea have shot up the list because they've been able to fill the gap left by the shortages in West Africa.
The Boutique & Rising Cocoa Producers (Ranks 11–60)
- Uganda – 71,000 tonnes
- Papua New Guinea – 45,000 tonnes
- DR Congo – 36,000 tonnes
- Mexico – 28,000 tonnes
- Venezuela – 27,500 tonnes
- India – 25,000 tonnes
- Guinea – 22,000 tonnes
- Liberia – 19,000 tonnes
- Madagascar – 18,500 tonnes
- Sierra Leone – 16,000 tonnes
- Togo – 14,000 tonnes
- Tanzania – 12,500 tonnes
- Guatemala – 11,800 tonnes
- Philippines – 11,000 tonnes
- Nicaragua – 9,500 tonnes
- Bolivia – 6,000 tonnes
- Solomon Islands – 4,000 tonnes
- Sao Tome & Principe – 3,800 tonnes
- Haiti – 2,600 tonnes
- Honduras – 2,100 tonnes
- Vanuatu – 1,600 tonnes
- Cuba – 1,400 tonnes
- Sri Lanka – 1,350 tonnes
- Vietnam – 1,250 tonnes
- Dominica – 1,000 tonnes
- Equatorial Guinea – 950 tonnes
- Costa Rica – 850 tonnes
- Panama – 600 tonnes
- Guyana – 500 tonnes
- Samoa – 485 tonnes
- Angola – 460 tonnes
- Grenada – 400 tonnes
- El Salvador – 370 tonnes
- Trinidad & Tobago – 320 tonnes
- Malaysia – 280 tonnes
- Belize – 240 tonnes
- St. Vincent & The Grenadines – 230 tonnes
- Timor-Leste – 180 tonnes
- Jamaica – 160 tonnes
- Central African Republic – 140 tonnes
- Thailand – 130 tonnes
- Fiji – 120 tonnes
- Gabon – 110 tonnes
- Comoros – 45 tonnes
- Micronesia – 35 tonnes
- Saint Lucia – 20 tonnes
- Suriname – 10 tonnes
- American Samoa – 5 tonnes
- Taiwan – 2 tonnes
- Reunion Island – 1 tonne
The local cocoa producers (Ranks 61–75)
Cocoa is a truly global crop, and in 2026, many small islands and new territories are starting their own "chocolate journeys".
While many of these places produce very tiny amounts, they are often the most exciting for "bean-to-bar" chocolate makers because the soil and climate give the beans such rare flavours.
These countries and territories grow cocoa in very small amounts—sometimes just enough for a few local chocolate shops!
Why are these "Tiny Producers" so important?
You might wonder why a country producing only one tonne of cocoa matters when the Ivory Coast produces nearly two million.
The reason is biodiversity. In places like Hawaii or Puerto Rico, the cocoa trees are often very old varieties that haven't been changed by modern farming. They are like "living fossils" of the chocolate world. Because they grow in unique places—like volcanic soil in Hawaii or salty sea breezes in the Caribbean—their beans can taste like honey, cherries, or even tobacco.
In 2026, these countries are also becoming "Agritourism" hotspots. Instead of just shipping the beans away, they invite tourists to walk through the groves, pick a pod, and make their own chocolate right there. It is a fantastic way for these small islands to protect their environment while making a bit of extra money.
- Tonga – 1 tonne
- Puerto Rico (USA) – 1 tonne (A rising star for luxury American chocolate!)
- Maldives – <1 tonne (Mostly grown in private gardens and resorts)
- Hawaii (USA) – <1 tonne (The only US state that grows cocoa commercially)
- Australia – <1 tonne (A small, high-tech industry is starting in Queensland)
- Cambodia – <1 tonne (New farms are popping up in the Mondulkiri province)
- Myanmar – <1 tonne
- Benin – <1 tonne
- Zanzibar (Tanzania) – <1 tonne (Famous for "spiced" cocoa profiles)
- Seychelles – <1 tonne
- Mauritius – <1 tonne
- Barbados – <1 tonne
- St. Kitts & Nevis – <1 tonne
- Guadeloupe – <1 tonne
- Martinique – <1 tonne
This blog post was originally written on 6 January 2018 and last updated on 28 January 2026
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