Cameroon’s Cocoa Sector: A Look at the 2023-2024 Season
Cameroon’s cocoa industry is a vital component of the national economy and a significant player in the global market. As we delve into the 2023-2024 cocoa season, several key figures and players are shaping the future of this precious commodity.
The season kicked off with promising figures, as the farmgate price for cocoa was raised by 25%, a move that reflects the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of local farmers. This increase is expected to incentivize production and enhance the quality of the cocoa beans, which is crucial for maintaining Cameroon’s competitive edge.
The Office National du Cacao et du Café (ONCC) plays a pivotal role in regulating and supporting the sector. Their recent statistics indicate a robust start to the season, with prices ranging from 4500FCFA/kg to 4700FCFA/kg for cocoa. These figures are not just numbers; they represent the hard work and dedication of Cameroonian farmers who are the backbone of the industry.
Notably, President Alassane Ouattara honoured key personalities from Cameroon’s cocoa sector with Honour Medals, acknowledging their contributions to the industry’s growth and sustainability. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts required to thrive in the cocoa market.
Cameroon’s ambition to increase its annual production to 640,000 MT by 2030 is ambitious yet achievable with the right strategies and support. The country’s strategic position as the world’s fourth-largest cocoa producer and the third-largest in Africa positions it well to reach this goal.
As we look ahead, the key players in Cameroon’s cocoa sector, including farmers, exporters, policymakers, and industry advocates, continue to work towards a prosperous season. Their collective efforts are not only crucial for the country’s economy but also for the millions of consumers worldwide who cherish the rich flavours of Cameroonian cocoa.
In Cameroon, the Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, is launching the 2024-2025 cocoa campaign today in Mvengue in the Ocean department, South region. This is an opportunity to take stock of the 2023-2024 campaign, which ended on July 15. According to data from the National Cocoa and Coffee Office (ONCC) of Cameroon, marketed production amounted to 266,725 tons of cocoa compared to 263,613 tons during the 2022-2023 campaign, an increase of 3,112 tons (1.17%).
The said production comes from 8 out of 10 regions of the country, which sold 281,017 tons of cocoa to operators. The top three that supplied the most cocoa beans are the regions: the Center with 44.79% of the total volume marketed, the Southwest with 22.35% and the Littoral with 17.55%. Let us indicate here that for the 2023-2024 campaign, the minimum farm gate price was 1,150 CFA francs/KG and the maximum was 6,300 CFA francs/KG, much to the delight of the producers.
Of its marketed production, Cameroon exported 185,613 tonnes of cocoa compared to 186,754 tonnes during the 2022-2023 campaign, a decrease of 1,141 tonnes. A trend that is contrary to the export revenues generated during this campaign. According to the ONCC, this season’s revenues amount to 488.836 billion CFA francs compared to 265.352 billion CFA francs during the previous campaign, an increase of 223.484 billion CFA francs (84%). This is directly linked to “the rise in prices throughout the campaign”, specifies the ONCC in the press kit relating to the launch of the 2024-2025 campaign.
For this campaign, Cameroonian brown gold was exported to 17 countries and 20 ports worldwide. The most popular destinations were Europe with 79.96%, Asia with 19.61% and West Africa with 0.43%. Of the quantity exported, 69.87% is attributable to the main exporters: Telcar (35.10%), OFI CAM (24.89%) and Sbet (9.88%).
It should also be noted that Cameroonian cocoa has gained popularity among its suppliers thanks to the quality of its so-called “excellent” cocoa, to the great displeasure of the world’s leading producers, particularly Ivory Coast and Ghana. Indeed, the two countries mentioned above have had poor campaigns with production recording an average drop of 30% for both combined. The quality of their beans has also declined due to tropical diseases that have affected their fields.
