Cocoa Sustainability: Global Trends and Key Insights from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana

The purpose of this master's thesis is to analyse the cocoa market, which is constantly evolving with many challenges ahead. Cocoa is the most important raw material in chocolate production, representing one of the most important food industries in the world. The first chapter provides a mostly introductory analysis of the origin and history of the cocoa plant, how it is cultivated also referring to the climatic conditions that favour its growth, and the main varieties of cocoa grown on different plantations. Then, the different stages of cocoa beans processing are highlighted as well as the main diseases that most affect the cocoa plant. This in-depth study is necessary to subsequently better understand the production challenges facing cocoa-producing countries. The second chapter studies the global cocoa market, with a focus on supply, demand and international trade. Thus, market dynamics, price development and end-consumer trends are analysed. Cocoa production is linked to several environmental, economic and social sustainability challenges. The third chapter addresses the three pillars of sustainability that are increasingly relevant in the cocoa sector. On the environmental side, deforestation and climate change are the main factors that harm production. The social profile concerns the difficult working conditions that cocoa producers face and the increase in child exploitation. From the economic point of view due to unstable cocoa prices and limited access to resources, the majority of small cocoa farmers live in poverty. Finally, the fourth and final chapter focuses on the world's two largest cocoa producer’s countries, Ivory Coast and Ghana. This section examines the two different governments with their respective governmental policies that aim to support cocoa production, improve farmers' livelihoods, and combat the various challenges facing the cocoa sector. In conclusion, the cocoa market is constantly evolving, with an increasing focus on sustainable agricultural policies and consumer preferences moving more toward high quality and responsible produced cocoa.