Why Cocoa Powder from Brazil is Gaining Global Demand

Brazil is among the very few countries with an established industrial base and the largest chocolate consumer market in the world. This country was the largest cocoa powder producer back in the 1980s and it still plays a significant role in all stages of the global cocoa supply chain.

A study by Instituto Aya, part of Aya Partners with support from Systemic suggests that, by 2030, Brazil has the potential to generate up to $2.3 billion in cocoa powder-related revenue which accounts for about 13% of the global market which is pretty impressive.

”The cocoa powder from Brazil is becoming a global sensation due to its rich flavor and the implementation of sustainable and ethical farming practices for its production.” says the founder of Geohoney and the CEO of B A Barry Group, Mr. Basem Barry.

This article covers some key reasons for the global popularity of Brazilian cocoa powder among premium chocolate makers and discerning consumers so stay with us till the end.

• Highest Quality Cocoa Beans

• Focus on Sustainability and Agroforestry

• Geographical Indication

• Sustainable Post-Harvest Practices

• Strategic Location

• Government and NGO Support

• Global Shift Towards Spatiality, Ethically Sourced, and Traceable Products

Here are a few reasons why we believe cocoa powder from Brazil is gaining increasing global demand

1. Highest Quality Cocoa Beans

Brazil’s Bahia and Para regions are known worldwide for producing the highest quality and flavor-rich cocoa beans and cocoa powder products. The cocoa beans produced in this region have a very distinct flavor profile which is a delightful combination of fruity, nutty, and floral notes that you normally cannot find in cocoa powder from other regions.

This makes the cocoa beans and cocoa powder from this region the top choice for leading chocolate makers and craft chocolatiers from all over the world.

This unparalleled flavor is probably the biggest reason why most countries import their cocoa powder from Brazil.

2. Focus on Sustainability and Agroforestry

Sustainable cocoa farming practices and the use of innovative agroforestry systems are what set the quality of Brazilian cocoa apart from the rest. In agroforestry systems, cocoa is cultivated alongside other plants and trees by combining sustainable agricultural and forestry practices.

This creates a biodiverse ecosystem with enhanced soil health and carbon sequestration. This technique protects the environment by eliminating the need for monoculture farming while diversifying the income streams of the farmers at the same time.

Cocoa farmers in Brazil are increasingly using organic farming, ethical sourcing, and fair-trade practices to further enhance their appeal in the eyes of modern consumers who are concerned about deforestation and climate change.

3. Geographical Indication

A geographical indication (GI) is a specific name or sign that is used to identify products that are from a specific geographical location. These products have specific features that are attributed to their region of origin. The GI products are protected under the laws related to intellectual property. This ensures the product’s authenticity is recognized and protected at all times.

There are three geographical indications of Brazilian cocoa registered and validated by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) and Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA) including

• Cocoa from the south of Bahia in the Northeast Region

• Cocoa from Linhares in Espírito Santo in the Southeast Region

• Cocoa from Tomé-Açu in Pará in the North Region

These geographical indications ensure the highest quality and full traceability of Brazilian cocoa making it an adored commodity worldwide.  

4. Sustainable Post-Harvest Practices

Brazil is also working on creating sustainable fermentation, drying, and other post-harvest processes. These post-harvesting practices currently in place are what give the cocoa powder from this region a complex and unique flavor profile.

Manufacturers of high-end cocoa-based products prefer Brazilian cocoa powder for its more nuanced flavor which results from the post-harvesting techniques that enhance its chemical composition.

5. Strategic Location

Brazil’s strategic geographical location and efficient export logistics also contribute to its success in the global cocoa market. The country exports this commodity to markets in the USA, Europe, and Asia using its strong trade routes and robust Infrastructure.

Easy access to key markets and well-established supply chains are the reasons why natural and alkalized cocoa powder from Brazil is an ideal choice for most importers.

6. Government and NGO Support

Both the Brazilian government and NGOs are working on programs like “CocoaAction Brazil” and Brazil's National Program of Cocoa Development (PNDC) with an aim to support smallholder farmers and revitalize the region's cocoa sector.

These programs are designed to improve farming practices, provide education and training to the farmers, and introduce better tools and technologies into this sector to ensure greater yields and minimize environmental impacts.

These initiatives are also helpful in

• Increasing the yield of high-quality cocoa powder and its related commodities

• Boosting the productivity of the farmers

• Creating direct trade relationships with national and international chocolate companies

7. Global Shift Towards Spatiality, Ethically Sourced and Traceable Products

The global market is shifting towards specialty, single-origin products, and Brazil’s cocoa industry is ready to meet this high demand. Consumers are more interested than ever in ethically sourced and traceable specialty products like specialty chocolates that offer unique and diverse flavors.

The diversity of flavors in Brazilian cocoa results from the variety of terroirs or environments in the country where cocoa is produced. This makes Brazilian cocoa powder a very sought-after commodity for craft chocolate makers and general specialty cocoa consumers.

Conclusion

The global demand for ethically sourced, sustainable, and high-quality cocoa powder has increased significantly. To meet this high demand, Brazil’s local cocoa farmers with the support of their government and NGOs are adopting efficient and environmentally conscious farming practices.

The cocoa powder from this region gives you a robust flavor along with unmatched traceability. This ensures that consumers always get a top-quality cocoa powder that meets their flavor and nutritional requirements every single time.

Visit us at B A Barry Group to get the highest quality cocoa powder sourced from leading Brazilian producers to get the best value for your money.