8 Countries that Produce the Most Cocoa Beans in the World

The cocoa tree is a native of the Amazon basin and other tropical areas of South and Central America, where wild varieties still grow in the forests, but the cocoa growing area has extended to the Caribbean and beyond. Different types of cocoa are selected for cultivation in the various growing areas. In Australia, Cad-bury uses high quality cocoa beans sourced from Ghana in West Africa and Asia. Most of the world's cocoa is grown in a narrow belt 10 degrees either side of the Equator because cocoa trees grow well in humid tropical climates with regular rains and a short dry season. The trees need even temperatures between 21-23 degrees Celsius, with a fairly constant rainfall of 1000-2500mm per year. Many countries now grow cocoa. Check Insidermonkey experts view about the countries that produce the most cocoa beans in the world.

There are 5-6 million cocoa farmers worldwide. 40-50 million people depend upon cocoa for their livelihood. About 90%-95% of all cocoa is produced by smallholder farmers. The typical size of a smallholder farm is about three hectares, with a very large proportion of the farms in the size group of two to five hectares. As of the year 2009, the current global market value of the annual cocoa crop was $5.1 billion (US dollars). As of Feb 2010, the price of cocoa was $3,325.60 per tonne (USD). Cocoa is the main ingredient used to make chocolate. To make 1 kg (2.2 pounds) of chocolate, about 300 to 600 cocoa beans are processed, depending on the desired cocoa content. Cocoa beans are also used to make soaps, and cosmetics. You can also consider reading the most advanced countries in agriculture.

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