Ivory Coast has kept its cocoa farmgate price unchanged at 1,200 CFA francs per kilogram for the main harvest season.
The decision has disappointed some farmers who had hoped for a price increase after months of pressure across the cocoa sector.
Ivory Coast is the world’s largest cocoa producer. Therefore, changes in the country’s cocoa industry can have a major impact on farmers and the global chocolate market.
Ivory Coast cocoa price stays at 1,200 CFA francs
Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagne Kone announced that farmers would continue to receive 1,200 CFA francs per kilogram for properly prepared cocoa.
The government had already set the same price for the mid-crop season in March.
However, some farmers had expected the Ivory Coast cocoa price to rise during the main harvest.
One grower cited in the original reporting said farmers had hoped for a price of between 1,800 and 2,000 CFA francs per kilogram. Instead, the government maintained the existing rate.
Cocoa farmers face pressure from falling prices
The decision comes during a difficult period for the global cocoa market.
Cocoa prices surged to record levels in 2024. However, the market later changed direction, with prices falling during 2025 and declining further this year.
That shift created problems for Ivory Coast.
The government had previously increased the amount paid to farmers. In October, President Alassane Ouattara announced a record farmgate price of 2,800 CFA francs per kilogram.
However, the government later cut the rate sharply as global market prices fell.
As a result, authorities have faced the challenge of supporting farmers while responding to weaker international cocoa prices.
Cocoa remains vital to Ivory Coast economy
Cocoa plays a major role in the Ivorian economy.
The industry accounts for about 14% of the country’s gross domestic product. In addition, around five million people depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
That means changes to the Ivory Coast cocoa price affect far more than cocoa growers alone.
Farm workers, traders and communities across cocoa-producing areas also depend on income generated by the crop.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s position as the world’s biggest producer gives developments in the country international importance.
For now, farmers entering the main harvest will continue to receive 1,200 CFA francs per kilogram.
The decision provides certainty over the official price. However, for farmers hoping for a recovery from the March cut, it also brings disappointment.