What is special about the Colombian cocoa industry for an investor?
Cocoa is a product of Colombian origin, as each bean carries with it the history of those who work the land and the soil in which it grows. Colombia's biodiversity has enhanced the cocoa cultivation, which contains the beauty of the country. The diversity of thermal soils and the hectares of fertile lands provide the country with opportunities to cultivate one of the highest-quality cocoa in the world.
This has boosted the cocoa production industry in Colombia and has made it much more attractive to foreign investors looking to invest in highly competitive businesses with great growth potential in the global market. For this reason, here we tell you precisely what these unique characteristics of Colombian cocoa are, so that you do not miss the opportunity to invest in one of the most vibrant sectors of the national industry.
What makes special Colombian cocoa
Colombian farmers have developed the ideal techniques for cocoa cultivation thanks to years of experience working with this fruit. This has given higher quality to the final product, since a whole technique and industry has been developed around its production.
Thanks to this, Colombian cocoa has already received distinctions from international organizations. One example is the fact that it has been qualified as “Fine Flavour Cocoa”, a distinction granted by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), which is “an inter-governmental organization established in 1973 under the auspices of the United Nations.”
This distinction places cocoa among the best in the world, since few countries have this quality, which is defined by the “genetic origin of planting material, morphological characteristics of the plant, flavor characteristics of the cocoa beans produced, chemical characteristics of the cocoa beans, degree of fermentation, drying, acidity,” among other.
On the other hand, Colombian cocoa also received a distinction as one of the best in the world, beating hundreds of varieties from different countries. This occurred in the Cacao of Excellence contest, which is held every two years and awards the country of beauty with a gold distinction.
These two distinctions have given Colombian cocoa competitive advantages over others in the world, positioning it among the best and highlighting its quality and flavor. If you decide to invest in this industry, you will be able to enjoy these advantages, with which you will be able to compete more easily in the international market.
Another aspect that makes this industry special is that it is constantly renewing itself to be much more sustainable, both in environmental factors and in terms of labor and human conditions for those who are part of the production chain. Ninety percent of cocoa crops have forestry arrangements that capture 4.3 tons per hectare per year (Fedecacao) and have a high social impact, benefiting more than 65,000 families.
Finally, the cocoa sector is part of one of the most relevant industries for the economy of the country of beauty, which is agribusiness, a sector in which Colombia stands out thanks to its extensive experience, its domestic market of more than 50 million inhabitants and its privileged geographical position, which positions it as an export platform and as one of the most biodiverse places in the world.
All these factors have positioned Colombian cocoa in the international market, allowing the country to reach several destinations through this good. Proof of this is that between January and April 2024, USD 29.2 million worth of whole or broken, raw or roasted cocoa beans have been exported, positioning it as a sector with a wide offer and with the capacity to reach markets worldwide.
Discover why is cocoa a good investment
If you are interested in investing in the cocoa industry, you can rely on different organizations that will support you in this process. One of these is ProColombia, the organization in charge of promoting tourism, foreign investment in Colombia, non-mining energy exports, and the country's image. This organization will help you in the process of entering the country and will provide guidance at every step.
Another organization that can help you in this process is Fedecacao, an organization that represents and protects the interests of Colombian cocoa farmers, contributing to their integral development. This can serve as a resource where you will find more information about the national cocoa industry, enhancing your confidence when making your investment.
Other international companies have already discovered the value of this industry and have decided to invest in Colombia. This is the case of 12-Tree Finance, a German investment fund that has invested in crops since 2017, which shows that there is already interest from multinational companies that have seen the potential of this sector.
Do not miss the opportunity to invest in the best cocoa in the world, a sector with a promising future and ongoing growth. Investing in Colombia, the country of beauty, means seizing these opportunities to promote your cocoa business in a destination that awaits you with open arms. Find out more about investing in Colombia here.