(Ecofin Agency) - The Ivorian government aims to process by 2022, 50% of the national cocoa output, thus 1 million tons of the beans. This was reported to Reuters by Yao N’goran, Deputy MD at the Coffee-Cocoa Council (CCC).

The manager indicated that various tax incentives have been taken in favor of processors including Cargill, Olam and Barry Callebaut. The latter signed last year an agreement to increase their grinding capacity by 7.5% so as to benefit from these advantages.

“Côte d’Ivoire has an installed grinding capacity of 712,000 tonnes. Increasing that capacity and addition of new grinding units will enable it to reach the target within the next four years,” Mr. N'goran said.

According to some operators, much remains to be done to improve the country’s business environment affected by many obstacles including energy cost and the high cost of importing machinery.

“The Cocoa Coffee Council had promised to pay back our excess electricity costs after power prices were increased inconsiderately a few years ago, so far, we are still waiting for it,” commented Mariam Koné, Executive Secretary of the Professional Group of Coffee and Cocoa Exporters (GEPEX).

According to Loic Biardeau, Barry Callebaut MD in Côte d’Ivoire, “the cost of energy remains a negative factor compared with western countries. So, there are efforts to be made on that side”.  

Let’s note that in 2015/2016, the country processed about 491,495 tons of cocoa, representing 32% of total volume exported. Main manufactured products include cocoa butter, baking chocolate, cocoa cake, cocoa powder and cocoa mass.

 Espoir Olodo