Cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire: Interprofessional Organization Reviews Sector Situation

Navigating Price Volatility and Campaign Challenges

The Ivorian cocoa sector has experienced significant turbulence, particularly with the intermediate campaign seeing farm-gate prices plummet from 2,800 to 1,200 CFA francs per kilo. This drastic reduction has naturally created financial strain for many producers, leading to concerns about unsold stocks from the main campaign. The Interprofessional Agricultural Organization for Coffee-Cocoa (OIA Café-Cacao) acknowledges these difficulties but asserts that the situation is progressively stabilizing. Their efforts include allocating 23,000 tonnes of cocoa to facilitate the sale of residual stocks, a measure aimed at alleviating immediate pressures on farmers. However, the underlying issues are complex, involving both market dynamics and operational challenges within the supply chain.

A key aspect highlighted by OIA Café-Cacao spokesperson Aubin Blondé Doua is the distinction between bean quality from the main and intermediate campaigns. Beans from the main campaign, typically larger (95-100 grains per 100 grams), commanded the higher price of 2,800 FCFA. In contrast, smaller beans (130-135 grains) characteristic of the intermediate campaign cannot justify the same price, leading to the lower rate. This differentiation, while economically rational, underscores the challenges producers face in adapting to varying market values based on harvest quality and timing. The organization's role in clarifying these distinctions and managing expectations is crucial for maintaining transparency and trust within the sector.

Addressing Export Bottlenecks and Unsold Inventories

Beyond price fluctuations, the Ivorian cocoa sector has grappled with significant logistical and administrative hurdles, particularly concerning export documentation. OIA Café-Cacao has identified over 150 instances where bill of lading holders failed to deliver agreed-upon volumes, contributing to blockages and exacerbating the problem of unsold stocks. These "shortcomings" by exporters disrupt the flow of cocoa to international markets and directly impact producers who are left with inventory they cannot sell at favorable prices. The organization's focus on these specific operational failures suggests a need for stricter enforcement of contracts and improved oversight within the export chain.

Despite OIA Café-Cacao's assurances that the situation is returning to normal and that remaining unsold stocks are "isolated cases," some cooperatives on the ground report still holding significant inventories from the main campaign. These cooperatives have been compelled to sell their produce at the lower intermediate campaign price of 1,200 FCFA, prioritizing some revenue over a complete loss. This discrepancy between the official narrative and on-the-ground realities indicates that while progress is being made, systemic issues persist. The ongoing discussions between OIA Café-Cacao and the Coffee-Cocoa Council, the sector's regulator, are vital for developing comprehensive solutions that address both market and logistical challenges, ensuring fair practices and efficient trade.

Regional Cooperation for Market Stability

The challenges faced by Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa sector are not isolated but are part of broader regional and global market dynamics. Recognizing this, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, which together account for 60% of global cocoa production, have initiated significant collaborative measures. On June 16, 2026, Presidents Alassane Ouattara and John Dramani Mahama announced two key decisions: the harmonization of cocoa prices between the two nations and the alignment of their cocoa marketing campaign calendars to start simultaneously on September 1st. This coordinated approach aims to provide a unified front against highly volatile world prices, which have historically undermined the stability and profitability of cocoa farming in West Africa.

The harmonization of prices, requiring consultation between Côte d'Ivoire's Coffee-Cocoa Council and Ghana's Cocobod, is designed to prevent arbitrage opportunities and ensure a more consistent income for farmers across the region. Similarly, aligning the marketing calendars will reduce market distortions caused by staggered supply, potentially leading to more stable and predictable global prices. These strategic moves reflect a growing understanding among major producers that collective action is essential to exert greater influence over the international cocoa market and protect the interests of their farmers. Such regional cooperation is a critical step towards building resilience in the face of global commodity price fluctuations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the cocoa industry in West Africa.