Ivory Coast maintains cocoa farmgate price for 2026/27 season
The unchanged price follows a sharp decline in global cocoa prices and comes as Ivory Coast expands processing capacity and seeks greater value from its cocoa sector.
IVORY COAST – Ivory Coast has maintained its cocoa farmgate price at 1,200 CFA francs, about US$2.12, per kilogram for the 2026/27 main crop season, keeping the price unchanged from the level introduced in March.
Agriculture Minister Bruno Kone confirmed the price at the launch of the main crop season in Abidjan, with harvesting expected to continue until February 28, 2027.
The current price represents a significant reduction from the record 2,800 CFA francs per kilogram paid at the beginning of the 2025/26 season. The reduction followed a sharp decline in international cocoa prices from last year’s record levels.
Ivory Coast is the world’s largest cocoa producer. The announcement came as the country began its new main crop season and as neighbouring Ghana prepares to announce its cocoa farmgate price.
Ghana previously set its cocoa price at 41,392 cedis, equivalent to about 2,000 CFA francs per kilogram. Under a new law, however, Ghana’s price will no longer remain fixed throughout the season. The Ghana Cocoa Board will instead review the price periodically.
The difference between the farmgate prices in the two neighbouring cocoa-producing countries has raised concerns over potential bean smuggling. Industry sources in Ghana have warned that Ivory Coast’s lower price could encourage cocoa movements into Ghana, Liberia and Guinea, where taxes are lower and major international buyers operate.
Exporters estimate that Guinea and Liberia already handle about 100,000 tonnes and 30,000 tonnes of cocoa annually, respectively, with a significant portion originating from neighbouring producing countries.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast is increasing efforts to process more cocoa domestically. Yves Brahima Kone, director general of the Coffee and Cocoa Board, said installed processing capacity is expected to increase from 1.155 million tonnes to 1.344 million tonnes during the 2026/27 season as new industrial plants become operational.
Speaking at the opening of the 10th National Cocoa and Chocolate Days in Abidjan, he said Ivory Coast processed 650,000 tonnes of cocoa during the 2025/26 season, representing a processing rate of about 30%.
The government has previously targeted increasing the domestic processing rate to 50% to capture more value from cocoa production rather than relying primarily on raw bean exports.
Yves Brahima Kone also said the country needs greater investment in higher-yielding cocoa varieties that are resistant to disease and drought.
He further called for increased mechanisation of cocoa farming and improved pest and disease control on plantations as part of efforts to strengthen the sector.
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