Value addition through local cocoa processing in Côte d’Ivoire

• Region: Côte d’Ivoire
• Sector: Agriculture (cocoa)
• Duration: 2024-Active
• 8 Project partners

CocoaTechD’Ivoire, a four-year project aimed at establishing a cocoa mass production factory in Côte d’Ivoire, was officially launched in June 2024 by the Dutch Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Jeroen Kelderhuis.

During the seven-day visit to Côte d’Ivoire, the consortium also joined the “Caravane des Pays-Bas en Côte d’Ivoire” organised by the Dutch embassy in Côte d’Ivoire where the Dutch Ambassador Jeroen Kelderhuis inaugurated the project at the University of San Pedro where the consortium shared the concept of CocoaTechD’Ivoire with the students, investors and industry partners.

“As the world’s largest importer of cocoa beans, the Netherlands can make a significant contribution to the sustainable transformation of the cocoa sector. The launch of CocoaTechd’Ivoire was a great success and will contribute to Côte d’Ivoire’s objectives of processing cocoa beans domestically and improving the incomes of cocoa farmers.” Jeroen Kelderhuis, Ambassador of the Netherlands in Côte d’Ivoire

By supporting the Côte d’Ivoire farmer cooperative CADESA with the establishment of a greenfield processing facility in San Pedro, and with the support of expert partners across the value chain – from post-harvest handling and cooperative management to processing, certification, and marketing – the CocoTechD’Ivoire project aims to improve processing capabilities and increase regional value addition. The plan is to have the factory up and running in the upcoming year. The project’s other goals include boosting skills and capacity and enhancing quality assurance practices.

The consortium consists of a group of Dutch and Ivorian companies that bring in technical expertise and solutions such as equipment and knowledge (in the form of training) that are tailored to the specific challenges of setting up a cocoa mass production facility. Over the past two years, Larive International has brought together various industry stakeholders and developed the business case for the CADESA cooperative. The consortium members include JS COCOA, Royal Duyvis Wiener, Control Union, Eco2/Peterson projects, Royal LC Packaging, CDC Consulting and JMK Consulting Company.

During the project, there will be various training modules and demonstration projects executed and established by this consortium. These include a pest management demo, packaging demo, and cocoa mass processing demo. Training and knowledge transfer will focus on staff development, developing factory operating procedures, packaging, and food safety and quality control.

CocoaTechD’Ivoire represents a significant step forward towards sustainable cocoa production, economic empowerment, and community development. The consortium looks forward to sharing progress and achievements as they work together to create a brighter future for Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa farmers.

“We are excited to embark on this journey with such esteemed partners. The CocoaTechD’Ivoire project is a testament to our collective commitment to sustainability and innovation in the cocoa industry. Most importantly, it empowers the farmers who are the backbone of this industry.” Davinia Lamme, director Larive International

About CocoaTechD’Ivoire

CocoaTechD’Ivoire is an impact cluster project funded under a subsidy programme from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The project is aimed at setting up a cocoa mass production facility in Côte d’Ivoire. Bringing together the expertise of Dutch and local companies and financial institutions, the project focuses on sustainable practices, value addition to cocoa beans, development of local skills and capacity. The factory’s ownership by a cooperative of regional cocoa farmers ensures direct benefits to the local communities and fosters long-term sustainability. Furthermore, the project will focus on access to high-end European markets by ensuring high standards of food safety and sustainability, complying with certification schemes and new EU regulations.

Consortium Partners:

• CADESA: A local cocoa cooperative dedicated to building a greenfield processing facility in San Pedro, with 20 years of experience in cocoa aggregation and marketing.
• Cocoa Development Consulting (CDC): A training institute in Abidjan focused on filling the technical knowledge gap for cocoa processors in Côte d’Ivoire and neighbouring countries.
• JMK Consulting: Local project manager in Côte d’Ivoire, offering consulting services in market research, monitoring and evaluation, training, and business development.
• JS Cocoa: A Dutch cocoa processor with a circular conscience, specialising in reusing cocoa residue flows and reducing waste streams.
• Peterson Projects (Control Union & EcO2): Part of Control Union, providing global inspection, laboratory, and certification services. EcO2, a Dutch company, will supply a crucial pest management solution in the form of a treatment chamber for cocoa beans.
• Royal Duyvis Wiener: Based in the Netherlands, this leading equipment manufacturer supplies state-of-the-art equipment and expertise for the global cocoa, chocolate, and nuts & seeds processing industry.
• Royal LC Packaging: Expert in flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) and agricultural packaging solutions, contributing technology and expertise in post-harvest handling and packaging.
• Larive International: Business development advisory firm focused on helping businesses shorten the time, lower the costs and reduce the risks associated with entering, or expanding in, emerging markets. Larive is managing the CocoaTechD’Ivoire project.