Farmers:
Cocoa is derived from the cocoa beans found in the cocoa fruits that grow on cocoa trees. Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire produce more than 70% of the world's cocoa. 90% of cocoa is grown on small family farms of 2 to 5 hectares, with the remaining 10% grown on large plantations of 40 hectares. The cocoa farm generates 90% of the income for African families.
Collectors/Transporters:
Cocoa harvesting is a labor-intensive process that necessitates close supervision and care. Intermediaries purchase unprocessed bean sacks and sell them to exporters. These are for-profit businesses. In some cases, government entities such as the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) are also involved in the collection and transportation process.
Processors:
International firms and the national cocoa board are involved in the processing and grinding of cocoa beans. This process yields semi-finished goods in the form of powder or beans.
Finally, exporters transport the semi-finished product to the international market, particularly the European market, where it is consumed as chocolate or another edible product.