Cameroon Cocoa & Coffee Industry Overview

Coffee and cocoa buyers tracking West African supply chains often ask: What are the real prices and volumes behind Cameroon’s exports? With global demand rising, understanding Cameroon’s role — from farm gate to port — helps explain pricing trends and sourcing potential. This report breaks down the latest official data on prices and production for cocoa and both Robusta and Arabica coffee in Cameroon.

In short: As of the latest statistics, cocoa beans at Cameroon’s Douala port fetch over 1,000 CFA francs per kilogram, Robusta coffee also exceeds 1,000 CFA/kg, while high-grade Arabica commands over 1,700 CFA/kg. These numbers reflect both quality segmentation and export market dynamics for one of Africa’s key producing nations.

Cameroon’s Cocoa Industry: Production & Pricing

Cameroon is currently the world’s fifth-largest cocoa producer. Long-term data shows its annual cocoa output has hovered near 200,000 metric tons. A peak was reached in 2010, when production hit 240,000 tons — including 218,000 tons of commercial-grade cocoa, marking a 13% year-on-year increase. Within that, the share of first-grade (premium) cocoa rose significantly: from just 0.13% in 2009 to 1.47% in 2010. The cocoa beans exported through Douala port now have an offshore price exceeding 1,000 CFA francs per kilogram, according to recent figures from Cameroon’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Office for Cocoa and Coffee (ONCC).

The State of Coffee Production in Cameroon

Coffee has seen a different trajectory. In 1986, Cameroon produced up to 150,000 tons of coffee, but by 2011, that figure had drastically declined. That year, Robusta coffee output totaled just 55,000 tons, while Arabica production was limited to 12,000 tons. Despite the drop, Cameroon remains a significant regional player: it is currently ranked 20th in global coffee production and is the fifth-largest coffee exporter in Africa. The country cultivates both major commercial species — Robusta and Arabica — with distinct market values and growing conditions.

Government Targets and Economic Impact

To reverse the decline and boost farmer incomes, the Cameroonian government has set ambitious production goals. By 2015, it aimed to raise cocoa output to 280,000 tons and coffee production to 125,000 tons. The sector plays a crucial economic role: over 600,000 households are involved in cocoa and coffee farming, supporting a total population of more than 6 million. The combined industry generates annual value in excess of 100 billion CFA francs and accounts for nearly 30% of Cameroon’s non-oil direct export earnings. More than 600,000 farmers work in cocoa and coffee cultivation alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current price of cocoa beans at Douala port in Cameroon?

As reported by Cameroon’s agricultural authorities, the offshore (FOB) price for cocoa beans at Douala port is over 1,000 CFA francs per kilogram.

How much does Robusta coffee cost per kg at Douala port?

Robusta coffee beans exported from Douala port have an FOB price exceeding 1,000 CFA francs per kilogram, based on the latest official data.

What is the current price of Arabica coffee at Douala port?

Arabica coffee beans from Cameroon are priced at over 1,700 CFA francs per kilogram at Douala port, indicating their premium market segment.

How much coffee did Cameroon produce in 2011?

In 2011, Cameroon produced 55,000 tons of Robusta coffee and 12,000 tons of Arabica coffee, reflecting a major decline from historical highs.

What is Cameroon’s rank in global coffee and cocoa production?

Cameroon is the world’s fifth-largest cocoa producer and ranks 20th globally for coffee production. It is also Africa’s fifth-largest coffee exporter.

How many people depend on Cameroon’s cocoa and coffee sector?

The cocoa and coffee industries support over 6 million people in Cameroon, including more than 600,000 farming households, and contribute nearly 30% of non-oil export value.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Cameroon Comparisons

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