The chocolate industry relies on cocoa produced in Africa, primarily in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, for 70% of the world’s cocoa supply, even though there will be shortages through 2025/26. Major companies use this cocoa to create their famous bars and confections, while at the same time pursuing sustainable practices as a way to help end poverty and reduce deforestation.
Top Giants Relying on African Cocoa Beans
Nestlé’s Cocoa Plan sources the majority of its cocoa and chocolate from West Africa through training farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to produce more cocoa and reduce the incidence of child labor. In addition, Mars’ Snickers product reaches 95% of its total supply chain from Côte d’Ivoire (91% of its Tier 2 sources) and has a goal of creating a deforestation-free cocoa supply chain by the year 2025. Hershey also plans to use only direct sources by 2025 for its cocoa and chocolate supply chains and to have full traceability of the entire process from the farm to the factory.
Sustainability Drives in Key African Nations
Around 60% of Ferrero’s cocoa comes from Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, with all cocoa from these regions certified as Fair Trade. Lindt’s Farming program benefits 118,000 cocoa farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast with premium payments such as the Living Income Differential. Mondelez (Cadbury) provides cocoa assistance through Cocoa Life to help reduce deforestation and assist More than 100,000 cocoa farmers in Ghana.
2026 Challenges and Ethical Shifts
Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s top cocoa producer, with over 2 million metric tonnes of cocoa produced annually. However, due to bad weather conditions and disease, there has been a 10% decline in cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire this year compared to last year. Many companies, including Mars, Nestlé, Hershey, and Lindt, have formed together to protect their cocoa supply chain through the TogetherCocoa Alliance. Barry Callebaut has also publicly disclosed its cocoa suppliers in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Cameroon to provide greater transparency into its sourcing practices.
Summary
Africa’s cocoa powers 70% of global supply, fueling giants like Nestle, Mars, Hershey from Ivory Coast & Ghana. Learn sourcing practices, challenges like shortages & sustainability in 2026 for ethical chocolate. SEO-optimized insights for conscious consumers.
FAQs
1. Which countries produce the most cocoa in Africa for chocolate companies?
Côte d’Ivoire (over 2M tonnes), Ghana (500K-800K tonnes), Cameroon, Nigeria.
2. How do major firms ensure sustainable African cocoa sourcing?
Via programs like Nestlé Cocoa Plan, Mars Cocoa for Generations, Hershey direct sourcing, focusing on traceability and farmer training in Côte d’Ivoire/Ghana.
3. What challenges face African cocoa supply in 2026?
10% production drop from shortages, climate, disease; companies collaborate via TogetherCocoa.
