Brazilian cocoa exports to Europe grew by 58% in value and by 45% in volume during 2016 - a trend that is set to continue this year.
According to data from the Brazilian Trade, Investment and Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) and the Brazilian Association of Cocoa, Chocolate and Sweets (ABICAB), the country's total cocoa exports were worth $1.07 billion and amounted to 311.3 tonnes.
In the first half of 2017, the EU has already imported 36.8 tonnes of Brazilian cocoa worth $ 174.7 million.
According to Italian news agency Ansa, the growth trend of Brazilian cocoa exports can be seen in Italy. In 2016, the country imported 0.6 tonnes (compared to 0.3 tonnes in 2015) for a total value of $9.5 million (+83%).
Cocoa Production
The positive performance of Brazil as the fifth largest cocoa producer in the world is in part due to a specific government programme to promote cocoa production, developed by CEPAC (Executive Committee of the Cocoa Farming Plan). Its aim is to stimulate cocoa cultivation in key regions, and improve sustainability.
The two major production districts are the states of Bahia, which accounts for 60% of the national total, or 140,000 tonnes per year, and Pará - the Amazon region that is responsible for one third.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
