The cocoa industry is facing significant shifts as cocoa prices soar, driven by poor harvests in West Africa. While prices have surged to record highs, small-scale producers in regulated countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana see limited benefits due to pre-set prices. Meanwhile, less regulated countries like Cameroon and Nigeria gain more from market trends. Major processors struggle with high costs and production slowdowns. Climate change, bean disease, and low farmer incomes exacerbate the situation, leading to child labor and land sales. Despite these challenges, major chocolate companies continue to report significant profits.
