Sustainability
How agroforestry and traceable sourcing are reshaping a global supply chain
West African production fell as aging plantations, fungal diseases and climate variability reduced supply. Cocoa futures reached record levels in 2024/2025, raising concerns across global markets.
Brands face regulatory pressure, consumer demands and reputational risks. Traceable, climate-resilient supply chains can help address deforestation and child labor concerns while supporting reliable sourcing.
Brazil once led cocoa production, but witches’ broom disease devastated Bahia plantations in the 1990s. Recovery has involved resistant varieties, agroforestry and renewed support for smallholders.
In the cabruca system, cocoa grows beneath native forest trees. Farmers manage shade and retain native species, helping conserve biodiversity, store carbon and support distinctive-flavored beans.
Cooperatives can negotiate direct contracts with specialty chocolate makers. Premium pricing, group marketing and value-added processing can strengthen farmer bargaining power and reward documented practices.
Brazil has lower recent deforestation risk in many regions, alongside traceability pilots and growing certification. West Africa still faces forest conversion and entrenched child labor issues.
Interest in bean-to-bar and single-origin chocolate has grown. Brazilian cocoa, especially cabruca, has won international prizes, helping connect traceable sourcing with product differentiation and higher margins.
Rural roads, cold storage and port capacity constrain cocoa movement in Bahia and Pará. Cooperative collection centers and better logistics coordination can reduce transport costs and post-harvest losses.
Projections to 2026–2030 point to continued growth through replanting, resistant varieties and expansion into new states. Brazil could strengthen its role in sustainable specialty cocoa supply.
Brazil’s opportunity depends on linking productive farms with forest protection, farmer livelihoods and traceable markets. Scaling those practices could build a more resilient cocoa sector and supply chain.
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