Cameroon has announced a significant increase in cocoa production over the past two seasons, with figures showing that the crop in the 2022-23 season was 681 tonnes, almost four times higher than the 182 tonnes recorded in 2020-21.
Compared to 292,471 tonnes of beans produced and marketed during the 2020-2021 season, Cameroon’s Office national du cacao et du Café (ONCC) said a total of 295,163 tonnes of beans were harvested in the 2021-2022 season.
Inspired by the decision of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire to agree a premium price for their cocoa with buyers, Nigeria and Cameroon say they are looking at a similar initiative.
Joined by the government of Cameroon, the chocolate supplier will assist sustainable cocoa farming and income diversification as laid out by the Inter-professional Council of Cocoa and Coffee’s (CICC) New Generation platform.
Retail value sales of chocolate confectionery in West African countries, like Nigeria and Cameroon, have experienced steady growth over the past five years, according to Euromonitor International.
Ferrero is considering building its second factory in Cameroon after a company delegation held talks with the Cameroonian government, according to press reports.
Cargill’s Cocoa and Chocolate division is rolling out its Ivory Coast UTZ certification farmer training programme in Cameroon - a move the processor anticipates will dramatically boost sustainable cocoa output in the fourth largest producer country.
Focusing further on cocoa bean sourcing and processing, Zurich-based Barry Callebaut spins-off Chococam, the last of its consumer activities in Africa, to South African food firm Tiger Brands.
