Côte d’Ivoire has been the world’s largest cocoa producer for decades, supplying about 40% of global cocoa beans.
Cocoa is one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most important agricultural exports. The crop is grown mainly in the humid southern and western parts of the country, where cacao trees receive the warm temperatures and rainfall they need. Cocoa farming supports millions of people directly and indirectly.
Ghana is another major producer and is often confused with Côte d’Ivoire because the two countries are neighboring West African cocoa powers. Ecuador is especially important for fine-flavor cacao, while Brazil has a long cacao-growing history but produces less than Côte d’Ivoire.
Production rankings can change from year to year because harvests are affected by weather, pests, disease, farm investment, and international prices. Nevertheless, Côte d’Ivoire’s leading position has been a durable feature of the modern cocoa trade.