Nestlé maps 95% of global cocoa genetics to unlock climate-resilient, high-yield varieties
Nestlé and partners map most of cocoa’s genetic diversity into a 96-variety core set to speed up discovery of resilient, disease-tolerant, high-quality beans.
SWITZERLAND – Nestlé has completed one of the most comprehensive assessments of cocoa genetic resources, charting varieties that collectively account for more than 95 per cent of the crop’s known global genetic diversity.
The initiative was carried out alongside academic and agricultural research institutions with the aim of strengthening cocoa resilience amid escalating climate risks.
Scientists involved in the project have established a curated “core collection” comprising 96 cocoa varieties.
The collection serves as a streamlined but genetically representative subset of the species, enabling faster evaluation of traits critical to long-term productivity, including environmental adaptability, resistance to pests and pathogens, improved bean flavour profiles, and greater yield potential.
A core collection, by definition, is a compact, strategically selected group of plant genotypes that reflects the genetic breadth of a much larger population. The concept reduces the need to maintain extensive living collections running into thousands of trees, while preserving full species-level diversity for scientific study and future breeding efforts.
Project partners included Nestlé Research, Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), and Fox Consultancy.
The research was published in BMC Genomics, with Penn State contributing several high-resolution cocoa genome sequences generated through its Molecular Biology of Cacao research programme. CATIE, headquartered in Costa Rica, supported the work by providing access to a major repository of living cacao genetic resources recognised as one of the largest globally.
Officials at Nestlé say that the limited uptake of diverse cocoa genotypes in commercial cultivation has historically heightened supply chain susceptibility to climate shocks. Only a small fraction of available cocoa diversity is used in large-scale production, increasing exposure to extreme weather, disease, and shifting ecological conditions.
Senior genomics scientist Patrick Descombes said that the project employed advanced sequencing, computational biology, deep genetic analysis, and bioinformatics to study similarities and divergences across more than 300 cocoa varieties before finalising the 96-variety set.
Meanwhile, Nestlé has signalled additional investments in cocoa post-harvest technology. Among the areas being developed is a patented process for turning non-traditional sections of the cocoa pod into cocoa flakes, creating new channels for value extraction beyond conventional bean use.
The company also announced earlier this year a separate process that enables chocolate manufacturing using up to 30 per cent more of the cocoa fruit, reducing raw material waste while embracing expanded utilisation of the crop.
Beyond research, Nestlé continues engagement in farm-level sustainability interventions under its cocoa sourcing initiative, the Nestlé Cocoa Plan.
The programme prioritises improved agricultural practices, responsible supply traceability, forward linkage to markets, collaborative farmer training, and initiatives aimed at supporting grower livelihoods.
The company has identified genetics-driven breeding and broader utilisation of cocoa biomass as part of efforts to support stable, ethically sourced, and climate-proof cocoa supply networks in international trade corridors.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
