At the start of 2025, Ecuador has made a historic turnaround in its export profile: cocoa has overtaken bananas and mining, becoming the country’s second most exported non-oil product. This leap not only marks a record in figures, but also a paradigm shift in economic diversification, with a product that combines high value, international demand and sustainability.

During the first two months of 2025, Ecuador exported USD 956 million in cocoa and derivatives, registering a growth of 194% in value and 36% in volume compared to the same period in 2024. This boom responds to a double phenomenon: a significant drop in world supply, especially in West Africa, and a growing demand for fine aroma cocoa in markets such as the United States, Europe and Asia.

With international prices above USD 8,000 per ton, Ecuadorian cocoa is not only gaining prominence in terms of figures, but also in terms of global positioning in premium segments. This dynamic boosts income for tens of thousands of small producers, promotes good rural practices and enhances the role of cocoa as a strategic and sustainable product.

In terms of production, Los Ríos leads national production, followed by Guayas and Manabí. In total, Ecuador has more than 609,000 hectares planted and a production that in 2023 exceeded 375,000 tons, positioning the country as the leading exporter of cocoa in the Americas and third worldwide.

The strengthening of cocoa as a pillar of Ecuadorian exports generates multiple opportunities for the country and for those who are part of the logistics, commercial and production chain. To capitalize on this moment, it is key:

Promote local processing, adding value before export.
Strengthen sustainability certifications, responding to the demands of conscious consumers.
Support cooperatives and rural producers to ensure growth with equity.
Diversify export destinations, positioning cocoa as a strong card of the country brand.
To bet on a robust logistics infrastructure to accompany the growth of this key product.
The success of Ecuadorian cocoa is no coincidence: it is the result of a resilient production chain, strategic decisions and a global demand that prioritizes quality and sustainability. For foreign trade players, this trend represents a concrete opportunity to bet on a product that combines profitability, differentiation and long-term projection.

In the new global trade map, cocoa is not only flavor: it is strategy.