COCOBOD Targets Japanese Chocolate Producers

Ghana's Strategic Move to Strengthen Its Presence in Japan’s Chocolate Market

Ghana is actively working to solidify its position in Japan’s chocolate market, with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) engaging in discussions with leading confectionery companies in the country. These talks aim to enhance trade and cooperation between Ghana and Japanese firms, focusing on long-term supply commitments and collaborative efforts to address challenges within the cocoa sector.

At an industry expo in Japan, COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr. Ransford Abbey met with executives from major chocolate manufacturers, including Glico and Itochu. The discussions centered around securing stable cocoa supplies and developing joint programs to tackle issues affecting the Ghanaian cocoa industry. Given that Japan sources nearly 70% of its cocoa imports from Ghana, the country plays a crucial role in the Japanese market.

Dr. Abbey emphasized Ghana’s commitment to maintaining consistent cocoa supplies despite ongoing threats such as crop diseases and illegal mining. He highlighted COCOBOD’s intensified efforts to combat the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD) and rehabilitate degraded farms. “We remain committed to delivering premium cocoa beans to the Japanese market,” he stated.

However, Dr. Abbey also pointed out that Japanese companies can contribute by supporting rehabilitation initiatives. Executives from these companies welcomed the proposals, emphasizing the importance of Ghanaian cocoa in their supply chains. They pledged continued support for COCOBOD’s sustainability efforts.

The recent increase in the cocoa producer price for the 2025/26 crop season to US$5,040 per tonne, up from US$3,100 last season, reflects tight global supplies and rising demand. Farmers now receive 70% of the Free-on-Board (FoB) price. In cedi terms, this translates to GH₵51,660 per tonne or GH₵3,228.75 per 64-kilogramme bag.

Despite the increase, currency fluctuations have affected the actual value received by farmers. With the local currency appreciating to about GH₵10.25 per dollar from GH₵16 previously, the cedi-equivalent value of the dollar increase is significantly lower than expected. At the previous exchange rate, a tonne at US$5,040 would have translated to GH₵80,640. Instead, the actual payout is about a third lower, leaving farmers divided on whether the new price represents a meaningful improvement.

Starting next season, COCOBOD will implement the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System, designed to track beans from farms to ports. This initiative is essential for meeting the European Union’s deforestation regulation, which will take effect at the end of 2025. It aims to ensure that international buyers know Ghana’s cocoa is deforestation-free, child-labour-free, and sustainable.

The government is also pushing for increased domestic processing of cocoa beans rather than exporting them raw. COCOBOD has expressed an ambition to raise local processing to about 50% of annual output through partnerships with private investors.

Dr. Abbey encouraged Japanese firms to consider investment in local chocolate manufacturing, which could help Ghana capture more value from its exports. This engagement highlights Ghana’s dual strategy: reinforcing its traditional export markets while preparing for stricter sustainability regulations and building more value domestically.

With Japan’s confectionery industry heavily reliant on Ghanaian cocoa, closer ties could ensure long-term stability for both parties. By strengthening its presence in key markets and addressing sustainability concerns, Ghana is positioning itself as a reliable and responsible supplier in the global cocoa industry.