cacao supply chain

The cacao supply chain involves several key stages. It begins with farmers growing cacao trees, usually in tropical regions. Once ripe, cacao pods are harvested, and the beans are extracted and fermented. After drying, the beans are shipped to processing facilities, where they are roasted and ground to produce cocoa mass, butter, and powder. These products are then sold to manufacturers who create chocolate and other items. Finally, the finished products reach retailers and eventually consumers. Throughout this journey, factors like fair trade practices and sustainability are increasingly emphasized to support farmers and the environment.