Ivory Coast to Acquire Entire Cocoa Stockpile Amid Slumping Prices. Abidjan, Ivory Coast — January 21, 2026 The Ivory Coast government announced plans to purchase the entire stockpile of cocoa beans held by the nation’s cooperatives, a move aimed at supporting cocoa producers amidst a significant increase in cocoa bean stocks and a sharp decline in prices. This decision comes as the cocoa industry, which accounts for 14 percent of Ivory Coast’s GDP, faces challenges due to slowing exports and deliveries. “.
The chosen strategy is simple and effective, “said Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, Ivory Coast’s Minister of Agriculture, in a statement on Tuesday. “
The government will primarily rely on credible, solid, and structured national operators to conduct purchasing and collection operations in collaboration with their traditional partners, notably shredders, multinationals, and international exporters.”Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is home to one in five people who rely on the industry for their livelihood.
In recent months, cocoa prices have fallen by about $5 per kilo, a decline attributed to a surge in cocoa prices late in 2024, which led to manufacturers cutting back on the use of chocolate and a subsequent decrease in exports to Europe and Asia.
The stockpiling of cocoa beans has been exacerbated by logistical issues, including an energy crisis affecting industries and a shortage of shipping containers due to the pandemic. These challenges have contributed to the accumulation of over 80,000 tonnes of beans in farm warehouses and stores, waiting to be shipped to ports.
According to sources close to the matter, “We have not been able to deliver cocoa at the port because we cannot get the bill of lading. When you make the request, the CCC system rejects the request after a few days, “highlighting the complexities faced by cocoa cooperatives.
The government’s intervention is expected to provide relief to producers who have been negatively impacted by the falling prices.
However, the long — term implications of the stockpile and the sustainability of the industry remain to be seen. Further details are expected as the government implements its strategy to address the cocoa bean stockpile issue.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
