Cocoa is a cash crop and critical export for producing countries and is also a
key import for consuming countries, which typically do not have suitable
climates for cocoa production. Traveling along a global supply chain, cocoa
beans go through a complex production process that includes farmers, buyers,
shipping organizations, processors, manufacturers, chocolatiers, and
distributers.
Cultivation of cocoa is a delicate process, as the trees are susceptible to
changing weather patterns, diseases, and insects. Unlike larger, industrialized
agribusinesses, the vast majority of cocoa comes from small, family-run farms,
which often rely on outdated farming practices and have limited organizational
leverage. Steadily increasing demand from worldwide consumers encourages a
number of global efforts and funds committed to support and improve cocoa
farm sustainability.