• (Business in Cameroon) - Cameroon ranked 7th worldwide for cocoa liquor exports and 9th for cocoa butter in 2024.
• Cocoa liquor generated €275.6 million in export revenue; cocoa butter generated €206.3 million.
• National cocoa processing crossed 100,000 tons for the first time in the 2024–2025 season.

Cameroon’s push to expand cocoa grinding and processing has begun to reshape its position on the global cocoa market. The Ministry of Economy’s Competitiveness Committee reported that the country entered the world’s top 10 exporters of cocoa derivatives in 2024, reflecting stronger competitiveness in the local processing industry.

The country generated €275.6 million in cocoa-liquor exports in 2024, making it the world’s seventh-largest exporter. International sales of cocoa butter reached €206.3 million, placing Cameroon ninth globally. Officials attribute this performance to rapid growth in domestic processing capacity.

Cameroon’s rise on global markets stems from the entry of new bean grinders—Neo Industry, Atlantic Cocoa and Africa Processing—and from increased capacity at existing operators such as SIC Cacaos, the local subsidiary of Switzerland’s Barry Callebaut. These investments strengthened the supply chain and boosted product availability for export.

The surge in industrial installations enabled Cameroon’s cocoa-processing activity to exceed 100,000 tons for the first time. The National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC) reported output of 109,431 tons for the 2024–2025 cocoa season, marking a significant milestone for the sector and positioning the country for further export growth.

This article was initially published in French by BRM

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum