Cocoa

Chocolate is made from the cacao bean, which is grown in tropical regions across West Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, where the climate and ecological conditions allow the cacao tree to thrive.

Cocoa cultivation is highly labor‑intensive and depends largely on manual work. The cacao tree requires ongoing care and frequent harvesting, as it produces flowers and fruit throughout the year.

Many cocoa farmers around the world work extremely hard under difficult conditions, yet still do not earn a living income.

The countries listed below have reports relevant to the cocoa sector.