The cocoa industry of the Ivory Coast is undergoing increasing pressure regarding the adaptation it must take to a new digital traceability system. The system is adding to this pressure as the country prepares for much stricter European Union requirements to be implemented. The aim of the requirements is to prevent deforestation.
The world’s largest cocoa producer introduced mandatory electronic producer cards at the beginning of the 2026–27 cocoa season on September 1. The system is intended to record the origin of cocoa and allow beans to be followed through the supply chain, helping exporters demonstrate that production complies with environmental requirements.
However, traders, cooperatives and purchasing agents have come across a few difficulties as they begin using the new technology. Some operators in the rural areas are yet to receive the equipment needed. For example, this equipment includes items such as payment terminals, bags and seals. In the meantime, others continue to be unfamiliar with the digital purchasing process. The Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) has distributed 20,000 payment terminals and says the initial problems should be eased as participants become more accustomed to the system.
The timing is crucial as well because the EU’s Deforestation Regulation is scheduled to apply from December 30, 2026, this year. It requires cocoa and other products sold in Europe to be traced back to where they were produced initially and prove they did not come from land that was affected by deforestation.
Meeting these requirements is crucial for the Ivory Coast. The country produces roughly 40% of the world’s cocoa and exports about 70% of it to Europe. Any prolonged disruption to purchasing or exports could, because of that, end up affecting international supplies and cocoa prices.
Traceability continues to be a significant challenge. Earlier analysis by Trase found that only 48% of Ivory Coast’s 2024 cocoa exports could be traced to the cooperatives who are responsible for producing the beans. This in itself highlights the scale of the work that is still required.
As the new cocoa season progresses, authorities and industry participants will need to improve digital adoption and close remaining supply-chain gaps. The success of these efforts could determine how smoothly Ivory Coast’s cocoa reaches one of its most important international markets.
