Abidjan, August 31, 2026 – The official commencement of the 2026-2027 coffee and cocoa season is set for Tuesday, September 1, 2026. This significant event coincides with the 10th edition of the National Cocoa and Chocolate Days (JNCC), scheduled to take place at the Abidjan Exhibition Park, where new farm-gate prices are anticipated to be unveiled.
Vice-President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné is expected to announce these crucial new prices on behalf of President Alassane Ouattara, a key moment for the nation’s agricultural sector.
For the primary harvest period of 2025-2026, which spanned from October 2025 to February 2026, the farm-gate price for a kilogram of cocoa was established at a record 2,800 FCFA. However, the subsequent intermediate season, running from March to August 2026, saw a reduction in this price to 1,200 FCFA per kilogram, a direct consequence of declining international cocoa market rates.
Côte d’Ivoire maintains its position as the world’s foremost cocoa producer, contributing an estimated 40% of the global supply, a vital aspect of pan-African current affairs and global trade.
The country’s national cocoa output for the 2025-2026 season was estimated at nearly 2.2 million tonnes. This particular season was characterized by considerable volatility in exports and the government’s intervention to acquire approximately 123,000 tonnes of residual beans, amidst a temporary slowdown in global market commercialization.
Looking ahead to the 2026-2027 season, projections for cocoa production could face challenges due to climatic constraints and the aging of existing plantations. Some market forecasts suggest a potential decrease in Ivorian production, possibly settling around 1.8 million tonnes.
Scheduled from September 1st to 3rd, the 10th JNCC represents a pivotal gathering for the entire coffee and cocoa value chain. It provides a robust platform for dialogue, recognizing innovative initiatives, and strengthening collaborations among institutional, economic, and professional stakeholders.
This milestone anniversary edition is poised to mark a new chapter in the history of the JNCC. It will feature numerous meetings, opportunities for sharing valuable experiences, promoting local expertise, and fostering connections between various participants across the sector.
The comprehensive program includes conferences, expert panels, exhibition spaces, dedicated business meetings, and networking sessions. The overarching goal is to enhance the JNCC’s role as a leading platform for fostering dialogue, driving innovation, facilitating cooperation, and ensuring the continued development of the coffee and cocoa industry.
Furthermore, the 10th edition will serve as an occasion to review the achievements from previous JNCC events, highlight the progress made, and explore fresh avenues for the sustainable growth and heightened competitiveness of Côte d’Ivoire’s vital coffee and cocoa sector.
