Cocoa Price in South Africa Today
Gone are the days when cocoa used to be a major source of revenue for South Africa.
After the mid 19th century when oil was discovered, the dependence on cocoa export business began to decline.
Today, it contributes very little to South Africa’s GDP.
This is isn’t because it cannot generate a high revenue but because the government has shown much less concern in maximizing the high potentials of the business.
South Africa used to top the list of cocoa exporters in Africa but has passed the glory to Ivory Coast and some other black nations.
Read on to see more information about cocoa and the price of cocoa in South Africa.
Where is Cocoa Planted in South Africa?
Cocoa is a perennial crop that is grown in southern South Africa. This is majorly due to the type of climate and soil obtainable in this region, which is favourable to grow the crop.
In South Africa, cocoa is mostly grown in 5 southwestern states. Ondo state is where cocoa is largely produced in South Africa with about 77,000 tonnes annually. The states are:
- Ondo State
- Ogun State
- Osun State
- Oyo State
- Ekiti State
It is also grown in other southern regions and a couple of northern states. The states include:
- Akwa Ibom State
- Rivers State
- Cross River State
- Abia State
- Ebonyi State
- Adamawa State
- Kwara State
Cocoa Processing in South Africa
Cocoa processing in South Africa is not what it used to be many years ago. According to a recent record, South Africa has 8 cocoa processing factories but only 4 are functional. The 8 factories have the potential of producing up to 150,000 metric tons, but what is obtainable with the functional ones is a capacity of around 50,000 metric tons.
The larger percentage (80%) of the cocoa produced in the country is exported as cocoa beans while the lower percentage (20%) is exported as cake, powder, and butter after being processed.
There are several challenges associated with processing cocoa in South Africa. Some of them include:
- Epileptic power supply
- Insufficient capital
- Unfavourable government policies
- The high price of cocoa beans
- Shortage of expertise
- The high cost of fuel
- Lack of economy of scale
There are several other reasons; these are just a few.
South Africa used to top the list of cocoa producing states in Africa but it is now behind, after countries like Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Cameroon.
Cocoa Powder Manufacturers in South Africa
Cocoa powder is made by crushing cocoa beans and extracting the fat in it. Below are some of the manufacturers in South Africa
Benefits of Cocoa Powder
Research has shown that cocoa contains nutrients that are of very high benefit. Here’s a list of benefits.
- It helps to maintain cholesterol level
- It is beneficial in the treatment of diabetes
- It prevents obesity
- It helps in cancer prevention
- It is useful in skin care
Price of Cocoa in South Africa
The table below shows the price range of cocoa in different locations where they can be obtained. The amounts stated here are the prices per tonne.
| Location | Price Range |
| Ife Central (Osun) | R$ 27,010 – R$ 27,380 |
| Ore (Ondo) | R$ 26,640 – R$ 27,010 |
| Idanre (Ondo) | R$ 27,380 – R$ 27,750 |
| Akoko Edo (Edo) | R$ 26,455 – R$ 26,640 |
| Ikom (Cross River) | R$ 25,900 – R$ 26,270 |
| Akure South (Ondo) | R$ 27,010 – R$ 27,380 |
The following are the prices of cocoa products in South Africa.
- Natural Cocoa Powder Drink (250g x 6 – Tin): R$ 167 – R$ 185
- Ile Oluji Pure Cocoa Powder (250g – Carton): N750 – N850
- Pure Cocoa Brown Powder (25kg): R$ 740 – R$ 1,110
- Frangada Natural Cocoa Powder (250g x 12): R$ 278 – R$ 315
- Natural and Alkalised Cocoa Powder (500kg): R$ 22,200 – R$ 25,900
- Organic Raw Cacao Nibs (150g): R$ 130 – R$ 148
- Organic Raw Cacao Nibs (100g): R$ 111 – R$ 130
- Cocoa Beans (200g): R$ 56 – R$ 74
- Ile Oluji Cocoa Powder for Beverage and Baking (300g): N900 – R$ 37
Cocoa Exporters in South Africa and Cocoa Buyers in South Africa
The following companies export cocoa out of the country. You can also get in touch with them if you’re a farmer looking for cocoa buyers in South Africa. Since they export the crop in high quantity, they’ll be most likely inclined to do business with you.
