According to the Ghana COCOBOD, China’s recent cocoa export poses some questions about the sector’s future in Ghana.
The Asian country is said to have shipped its first batch of cocoa beans to Belgium, weighing 500 kg and costing $3,600.
The COCOBOD’s Public Affairs Manager, Fiifi Boafo, in an interview with CITI NEWS said, “It’s been of concern, a concern in the sense that generally the cocoa market has been saturated and consumption does not seem to be growing as fast as production of cocoa, so any new addition in terms of production is a matter of concern because higher production without commensurate consumption is a matter of concern because higher production without commensurate consumption is a matter of concern because
Mr. Boafo added, however, that while the trend is concerning, given the volume of exported cocoa and other factors, there may not be cause for alarm at this time.
“The question is whether China would be able to manufacture significant quantities in a commercially viable manner. I ask since, in general, cocoa production occurs between 10 degrees north and 10 degrees south of the equator, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 32 degrees Celsius and rainfall ranging from 1500 to 2000 mm.”
“China, and the precise area we’re discussing, do not have the geographical location.”
According to the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), the island province of Hainan in South China has exported cocoa beans to Belgium for the first time.
The cocoa was raised in Xinglong, a Hainan township with a tropical climate, according to reports.
Hao Zhaoyun, a CATAS writer, is quoted as saying, “Cocoa is a raw material for making chocolate.” Hainan has been expanding its cocoa planting area and making technical breakthroughs in response to the demand for chocolates.”
“Belgium is known as the ‘Kingdom of Chocolates,’ and our cocoa quality levels have been recognized by the international community,” he said.
Hao Zhaoyun, a CATAS writer, is quoted as saying, “Cocoa is a raw material for making chocolate.” Hainan has been expanding its cocoa planting area and making technical breakthroughs in response to the demand for chocolates.”
“Belgium is known as the ‘Kingdom of Chocolates,’ and our cocoa quality levels have been recognized by the international community,” he said.
Source: ATLFMNEWSROOM
