Cameroon Boosts Cocoa Industry with Two New Processing Plants

Cameroon’s cocoa sector marks a significant milestone with the introduction of two new cocoa processing plants, signalling a promising future for the country’s agricultural and economic landscape. This development is a testament to Cameroon’s commitment to enhancing its cocoa industry and boosting local production capabilities.

The Puratos Group, renowned for its expertise in bakery, patisserie, and chocolate, has announced plans to establish a cocoa bean processing plant in Ebolowa, the capital of the South Region. This strategic move is expected to process an initial 5,000 tons of cocoa beans annually, with aspirations to increase this capacity to 65,000 tons. The Puratos Group’s investment reflects confidence in the quality of Cameroonian cocoa beans and aligns with the company’s global standards for producing premium chocolate products.

Complementing this, Sas Manta, under the leadership of Olivier Bordais, has initiated the Chocolat Rouge factory in Obala, Central Region. This facility aims to craft high-end “Made in Cameroon” chocolate, a venture that has garnered support from the Cameroonian Trade Minister Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana. The establishment of Chocolat Rouge is a bold step towards fulfilling Cameroon’s vision of enhancing its value-added cocoa products.

These new facilities join a dynamic market that includes established players like Sic Cacaos, Chococam, Atlantic Cocoa, Neo Industry, and Africa Processing. In 2023, Cameroon’s export of cocoa-derived products reached 73,236 tons, generating revenue of CFA153 billion, marking a 15% year-on-year increase. Such growth underscores the potential of the cocoa sector as a cornerstone of Cameroon’s economy.

However, the journey is not without challenges. The industry has faced bean shortages, prompting some processors to seek government permission to import beans or to place staff on technical leave during peak seasons. To address these issues, Cameroon introduced an export tax on raw cocoa beans in its 2023 finance law, aiming to encourage local processing and stabilize the supply chain.

The goal of processing 300,000 tons of cocoa beans annually is ambitious but achievable. It requires not only an increase in production but also a balanced approach to purchasing between exporters and processors. Industry stakeholders are considering a quota system to ensure a stable supply of beans for processing, which could be a pivotal strategy for sustainable growth.

The advent of the new processing plants is more than an industrial achievement; it’s a step towards self-reliance and economic diversification. By increasing local processing capabilities, Cameroon is positioning itself as a key player in the global cocoa market, ready to meet the rising demand for chocolate and cocoa products.

As Cameroon welcomes these new processing plants, the nation looks forward to a future where its cocoa beans are not just exported for processing elsewhere but are transformed into high-quality products within its borders, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and promoting “Made in Cameroon” on the world stage.