COCOBOD Exposes Best Farmers to Global Cocoa Market

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Ghana’s National Best Cocoa Farmers are gaining first-hand exposure to international chocolate production and cocoa value chain operations during a sponsored visit to the United Kingdom.

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) led by Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo seeks to strengthen farmer motivation and support the sustainability of the country’s cocoa industry.

The delegation, accompanied by COCOBOD officials, visited Cadbury World in Birmingham, England, to learn about chocolate production and appreciate the commercial value of cocoa beyond the farm gate.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the farmers to interact with Cadbury officials and gain insights into the international market for cocoa and chocolate products.

The trip forms part of COCOBOD’s annual incentive package for distinguished cocoa farmers, recognising their contributions to the industry while encouraging increased production, improved farming practices and stronger engagement with international stakeholders.

The initiative comes as Ghana continues efforts to rebuild cocoa output and strengthen the sector’s contribution to export earnings and rural livelihoods.

“Your presence here in the United Kingdom marks not only a well-deserved recognition of your hard work and dedication, but also a continuation of COCOBOD’s proud tradition of celebrating excellence among our farmers.”

The visit to Cadbury World offers the award-winning farmers an opportunity to connect cocoa cultivation with the manufacturing processes that transform harvested beans into finished chocolate products.

Understanding the stages between production and consumption can help farmers appreciate how cocoa quality, consistency and responsible production practices influence the requirements of international buyers.

The exposure also provides a platform for exchanging ideas with industry participants and strengthening relationships between Ghanaian producers and the global chocolate business.

Cadbury’s history illustrates the longstanding relationship between cocoa and chocolate manufacturing.

According to the company’s official history, John Cadbury opened a grocery shop in Birmingham in 1824, selling cocoa and drinking chocolate before expanding into manufacturing.

Also, Cadbury World, which opened in 1990, subsequently developed into an attraction showcasing the company’s history and chocolate making heritage.

COCOBOD has previously explained that the annual UK tour is intended to expose distinguished farmers to international cocoa buyers and manufacturers.

In its June 2024 account of an earlier delegation’s visit, the Board said the initiative was designed to provide first hand insight into the operations of major cocoa buyers and chocolate manufacturers.

The farmers’ visit comes against the background of Ghana’s efforts to recover cocoa production following several seasons of declining output.Data published by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in December 2025 estimated Ghana’s cocoa bean production at 600,000 metric tonnes for the 2024/2025 marketing year, while forecasting 750,000 metric tonnes for 2025/2026.

The forecast represented an anticipated 25 per cent increase, although actual production would depend on prevailing growing conditions and other sector challenges.The same report estimated that Ghana’s exports of cocoa beans, cocoa paste, cocoa butter and cocoa powder exceeded US$3. 37 billion during the 2024/2025 marketing year, compared with US$1.54 billion in the preceding season.

It also estimated that the cocoa sector supports approximately 800,000 farm families across 10 of Ghana’s 16 administrative regions.These figures highlight the importance of maintaining a productive cocoa sector and improving the conditions under which farmers operate. Production incentives, agricultural extension services, access to farm inputs and effective disease management remain relevant to efforts to sustain output and protect rural incomes.

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service reported in its December 2025 assessment of Ghana’s cocoa industry.

“The cocoa sector employs some 800,000 farm families in 10 out of 16 of Ghana’s administrative regions.”

The figures also demonstrate why initiatives that recognise successful farmers matter to the broader agricultural economy. Award winning producers can serve as examples of good agricultural practices, helping to encourage improvements in farm management and inspire other farmers to pursue higher productivity.

However, sustained production growth will require more than recognition. Farmers must be able to maintain healthy farms, respond to changing weather conditions, manage crop diseases and access the support needed to improve yields.

The interactions between the Ghanaian delegation and Cadbury officials provide a platform for strengthening relationships between cocoa producers and businesses involved in chocolate manufacturing.

At the 2025 reception in London, COCOBOD Chairman Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo encouraged the award winning farmers to share knowledge gained during their international engagements and serve as role models within their communities.

“Through stronger partnerships we can secure a more equitable and resilient future for Ghanaian cocoa farmers.”

The experience gained from such visits can therefore have benefits beyond the individual participants, particularly if farmers share relevant lessons with their colleagues and apply useful practices to their own operations.

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