A VISIT TO NICARAGUA 🇳🇮 CACAO PLANTATION

 



















In 2023, the top export destinations for Nicaraguan cocoa beans were Belgium (39% of exports), Guatemala (18.6%), El Salvador (16.1%), Netherlands (10.6%), and Germany (5.3%) according to TrendEconomy. 

These destinations imported cocoa beans worth a total of $7.64 million. 

Additionally, the US was the top destination for chocolate and other cocoa preparations from Nicaragua, accounting for 63% of exports in 2023. 
Specific exporters of cocoa beans from Nicaragua: 
  • COOPESIUNA Coop: A cooperative with contact information available. 
  • COMUCOR Coop: Another cooperative with contact details provided by Make Mine Fine. 
  • COOMUSASC Coop: A third cooperative that can be reached through their email and phone number. 
  • Ingemann Fine Cocoa: A recognized producer and exporter of fine cocoa, known for its quality, post-harvest methodology, and genetics. 
  • Cacao Oro de Nicaragua: A large-scale, social impact-driven agroforestry business producing fine flavor cacao and coffee. 
  • Ritter Sport: A German chocolate producer with investments in Nicaragua's cocoa production and export. 



Additional details: 
  • Nicaragua is a significant producer and exporter of cocoa beans in Central America. 
  • The country has seen increased planting and production of cocoa in recent years. 
  • Cacao Program Nicaragua is involved in promoting cocoa production and export. 




During the Sandinista government period (1979-1990) and subsequently, cacao production in Nicaragua has seen significant developments:
 


Early Sandinista Period:
  • Agrarian Reforms: The Sandinista government confiscated land belonging to the Somoza regime and implemented agrarian reforms. These reforms aimed to restructure land ownership and empower smallholders.

  • Focus on Small Producers: The Sandinista government's economic policy aimed to prioritize the "logic of the majority," encouraging production and distribution that met basic needs, rather than solely focusing on profit maximization. This would likely have benefited small cacao farmers.

  • Support for Agriculture: The government established the National Farmers' and Ranchers' Union (UNAG) to support farmers and improve agricultural production. The Nicaragua PCaC movement, which aimed to improve agricultural production and stabilize the sector, emerged from UNAG. 


Later Developments and Current State:
  • Growth in Production: While cacao has always existed in Nicaragua, it became a more important export product after the 1990s, with production increasing steadily.

  • Government Support: The Nicaraguan government has paid more attention to and supported the cocoa sector since 2010, establishing a policy for industry development in 2012.

  • Fine Flavor Cacao: Nicaragua's cacao production is increasingly focused on fine flavor varieties. According to the International Cacao Organization (ICCO), 80% of Nicaraguan cacao is considered fine flavor.

  • Smallholder Domination: Around 90% of the cacao in Nicaragua is grown by small producers with plantations typically ranging from 0.5 to 2 hectares. A significant number of these smallholders are organized into cooperatives.

  • Agroforestry Systems: Almost 100% of Nicaragua's cacao is grown under agroforestry systems, where cacao is combined with endemic timber or fruit species, contributing to biodiversity and the economy of farming families.

  • Climate Change Adaptation: As climate change affects coffee production, farmers are increasingly looking to cacao as an alternative crop due to rising temperatures.

  • Increased Exports: Exports of cacao beans have grown in recent years, generating profits for Nicaragua.

  • Organic Certification: Nicaragua is one of 16 countries in the world producing and exporting certified organic cocoa.

  • Market Position: Nicaraguan cacao is becoming known internationally for its high quality and flavor diversity.

  • Challenges: The sector has faced challenges, including the impact of natural disasters like hurricanes. 


In summary, the Sandinista government initiated policies and supported organizations that laid the groundwork for Nicaragua's agricultural sector, including cacao production.

 Since then, the country has seen a growing emphasis on fine flavor cacao, with smallholders playing a significant role in production, often utilizing agroforestry systems. 

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