Is Ivory Coast Famous for Chocolate?

Yes, Ivory Coast is globally recognized for its chocolate—or more precisely, for being the world’s largest producer of cocoa beans, the raw ingredient used to make chocolate. Although there are a few big Ivorian chocolate companies exporting top-quality products internationally, cocoa beans ready for processing and use in chocolate production make up over 40% of the world market.

Why Is Ivory Coast So Important for Chocolate?

1. The World's Top Cocoa Producer
Produces 2+ million tons of cocoa annually
The most exporter since the 1970s
Drives 20% of Ivory Coast's GDP

2. Perfect Climate for Cocoa Farming
Tropical weather (warm + humid)
Consistent rainfall = ideal growing conditions

3. Major Chocolate Companies Rely on Ivorian Cocoa
Large corporations such as Nestlé, Hershey's, and Cadbury source Cocoa from the Ivory Coast.

Is Ivory Coast known for its chocolate products?

Most likely not. Because most beans are shipped to Europe/US to be made into branded chocolates that are labeled 'Made in Ivory Coast', but processed elsewhere. Locally, only about 5% of beans are processed into chocolate.

Although most people have never eaten them, the country's most famous chocolate brands, like Instant Chocolat and Le Chocolatier Ivoirien, are gaining international fame.

Where to buy chocolate in the Ivory Coast?

Visitors to Abidjan or Yamoussoukro will find locally produced artisan chocolates in shops and markets.

If you're wondering whether Ivory Coast is truly famous for chocolate, the answer is—yes, in terms of cocoa production. In a way, yes. In fact, one might say the country is famous for its cocoa, an essential ingredient behind just about every chocolate bar you can think of.

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