SOFTS OVERVIEW

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Cocoa Overview Contracts | Quote-board | Chart

Cocoa Economics: The cocoa tree is strictly a tropical plant, thriving only in hot, rainy climates- with cultivation generally confined to areas not more than 20 degrees north or south of the equator. The tree takes four to five years to yield cocoa beans, and from eight to ten years to achieve maximum production. The fruit of the cocoa tree appears as pods primarily on the tree's trunk and lower main branches. When ripe, these pods are cut down and opened, and the beans are removed, fermented and dried.

The cocoa butter extracted from the beans is used in a number of products, ranging from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals, but its main use is in the manufacture of chocolate candy.

Currently, the Cote d'Ivoire is the world's leading cocoa producing nation. Brazil Ghana rank next among major world producers, followed by Malaysia, Nigeria and Indonesia.

Annual cocoa crop yield is affected to a large extent by weather conditions, disease, insects, crop care, and political and economic conditions in the producing countries.

 

To learn more, contact USIG today: 1- 800-974-8744

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