Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa producer with 45% of global supply, is maintaining the farmgate price at 2,800 FCFA/kg for the 2025-2026 main crop year, as announced by President Alassane Ouattara on October 1, 2025. This stability, despite a drop in global prices (around USD 3,700/T in February 2026), protects the 6 million farmers and strengthens the sector in the face of international volatility.

Context of the decision: protection of producers

The price of 2,800 FCFA/kg (well-fermented and dried cocoa) was set in October 2025 for the main campaign (October 2025-March 2026), representing a dramatic increase of 1,000 FCFA compared to the 1,800 FCFA/kg of 2024-2025. For the mid-campaign (April-September 2026), the Coffee-Cocoa Council maintained this high level: 1,935 FCFA/kg (January-March), 1,943 FCFA/kg (April-June), rising to 1,999 FCFA/kg (October-December 2026).

This guaranteed minimum price (GMP) policy is explained by:

• Fall in global prices: From USD 10,000/T (April 2025) to USD 3,700/T (-63%), due to abundant supply and weak demand (unsold stocks).
• Political commitment: “Placing the producer at the heart of our priorities,” stated Ouattara, preventing an erosion of farmers’ income.
• Competition from Ghana: Prices at USD 5/kg (2,925 FCFA), encouraging vigilance against cross-border smuggling.

Economic impact: a national pillar preserved

The cocoa sector generates 40% of Ivorian exports (USD 6-8 billion/year) and 15-20% of GDP, supporting 6 million people in 12 rural regions.

Phytosanitary Challenges and Productivity

Despite the attractive price, the 2026 season faces the following challenges:

• Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSVD): -20% yields in the West (Daloa, Soubré).
• Climate: Droughts and erratic rainfall (-10% expected production).
• Aging cocoa trees: 60% over 30 years old, calling for 100,000 ha of new orchards.

Government Response

• Subsidies: 50 billion FCFA (fertilizers, resistant seedlings).
• Reforestation: 30,000 ha/year via CN3ER.
• Digitalization: CCC app for harvest monitoring.
• EU Negotiations: Pressure for “sustainable cocoa” (deforestation), but the premium Ivorian price attracts buyers (Nestlé, Mars, Hershey).

Opportunities for businesses and investors

• Local processing: Cargill-San Pedro (pulp and liqueur), Barry Callebaut (Abidjan) are targeting 20% added value.
• Logistics: SICA (Abidjan-San Pedro ports) + railway for 3 million tons.
• Agritech: Philips drones for swollen shoots (+15% yields).
• Finance: BOAD plant loans (5% interest rate), Afreximbank $500 million for the sector.
• Trend: Towards Ivorian chocolate (Olam factory, 50,000 tons/year by 2028).

2026-2027 season outlook

The CCC forecasts 2.2 million tons if rainfall is normal, with a minimum price of 1,999 FCFA/kg (quarterly) for October-December 2026.

Risks: Smuggling from Ghana (+100 tons/week), competition from Ecuador, weak European demand (-5%). Winning strategy: Maintaining high prices + productivity = record revenues in 2026 (USD 6 billion).

Growers: prioritize quality (7-day fermentation) for export premiums!