Ecuador's cocoa output grows rapidly

Ecuador's cocoa production has grown significantly, with estimates suggesting it could soon overtake Ghana as the world's leading producer. In 2015/2016, Ecuador produced 232,000 tonnes of cocoa beans, about one-third of Ghana's output, according to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). By the 2024/2025 season, Ecuador's production was expected to reach 580,000 tonnes, nearly matching Ghana's 600,000 tonnes.

High cocoa prices benefit Ecuadorian farmers

Rising global cocoa prices, which reached 12,000 USD per tonne in 2024, have benefited Ecuadorian producers more than those in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Ecuador's farmers receive about 90% of the global price, compared to 60% to 70% for West African producers. This revenue difference has allowed Ecuador to invest in replanting, orchard maintenance, and expanding cultivation areas.

Ecuador's advanced cocoa varieties and farming methods

Ecuador's use of the CCN-51 cocoa variety, which is known for high yields and disease resistance, has contributed to an average production of 800 kg per hectare. This is significantly higher than the 500 kg per hectare typical in West Africa. Additionally, Ecuador employs agroforestry systems that combine shade trees, bananas, coffee, and other crops to reduce reliance on monoculture and diversify income sources.

Ghana faces challenges to its cocoa industry

Ghana struggles with structural issues that hinder its cocoa production. The Swollen shoot virus threatens its crops, requiring the removal of infected trees. Illegal gold mining, known as galamsey, reduces land availability for cocoa and degrades soil quality. Approximately 500,000 hectares of cocoa farms in Ghana are currently non-productive due to these challenges.

Ecuador and Ghana face different risks

While Ghana's cocoa production is expected to reach 771,000 tonnes in the 2025/2026 season, it faces challenges such as aging plantations, high costs of fertilizers and pesticides, and the impact of weather patterns like El Niño. Meanwhile, Ecuador may face disruptions from excessive humidity, which could reduce its output by 100,000 tonnes. The competition between the two countries will depend on how well they can manage weather risks, expand cultivation, and increase yields.