Companies That Buy Cocoa in Nigeria

Introduction

Cocoa is one of Nigeria’s most significant agricultural exports, contributing substantially to the country’s economy. As the world’s fourth-largest cocoa producer, Nigeria accounts for approximately 6.5% of global cocoa production, with an output of around 280,000 to 300,000 metric tons annually. The major cocoa-producing states include Ondo, Cross River, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Delta, Osun, and Oyo. The industry employs over 300,000 smallholder farmers and supports a robust supply chain involving local buying agents, cooperatives, and exporters. Cocoa is used in food manufacturing (e.g., chocolate, beverages), cosmetics (e.g., cocoa butter), and even animal feed (e.g., cocoa husk). Despite challenges like aging trees, pest attacks, and climate change, Nigeria’s cocoa remains highly sought after for its aromatic and smooth flavor. This article provides a detailed overview of companies that purchase cocoa in Nigeria, their sourcing preferences, applications, and contact details where available, along with insights into market dynamics and opportunities for suppliers.

Major Cocoa-Buying Companies in Nigeria

1. Omas Commodities (Lagos)

• Overview: Omas Commodities is a leading cocoa exporter in Nigeria, recognized for sourcing and exporting premium, well-fermented cocoa beans to international markets, particularly Europe and Asia.
• Sourcing Preferences: Sources raw cocoa beans from farmers in Ondo, Cross River, and Ekiti, emphasizing high-quality, sun-dried, and properly fermented beans. They work directly with local farmers to ensure traceability and quality control.
• Applications: Exports raw cocoa beans to chocolate manufacturers and food companies globally. They do not process cocoa but focus on delivering clean, export-ready beans.
• Contact:
  • Website: Omas Commodities
  • Email: info@omascommodities.com
  • Location: Lagos, Nigeria
• Additional Notes: Omas promotes fair trade and farmer empowerment, ensuring competitive pricing for farmers.

2. WACOT Limited (Lagos)

• Overview: Established in 2015, WACOT Cocoa Division is a major exporter of certified sustainable and conventional cocoa beans, operating across Abia, Cross River, Oyo, Ondo, and Osun. They are UTZ/Rainforest Alliance certified.
• Sourcing Preferences: Sources from over 125 local buying agents (LBAs) and works with 5,000 farmers. They prioritize sustainable cocoa with low moisture content (8% max) and minimal defective beans.
• Applications: Exports cocoa beans to international chocolate and food industries. They also support farmer training in sustainable practices.
• Contact:
  • Website: WACOT Limited
  • Email: Not publicly listed
  • Location: Lagos, Nigeria
• Additional Notes: WACOT’s sustainability program includes distributing shade trees and improved seedlings to farmers.

3. FTN Cocoa Processors Plc (Lagos)

• Overview: Incorporated in 1991, FTN Cocoa Processors Plc is a key player in cocoa processing, with a 20,000 metric ton capacity for producing cocoa butter, cake, and powder. They have strong ties with local and international buyers.
• Sourcing Preferences: Sources cocoa beans from Ile-Oluji, Akure, Ede (Osun), and other cooperatives, focusing on high-quality beans suitable for processing. They buy at competitive prices for the right quality.
• Applications: Supplies cocoa butter and powder to local companies like Nestlé Nigeria Plc and Promasidor Nigeria Limited, and exports to global markets.
• Contact:
  • Website: FTN Cocoa
  • Phone: Not publicly listed
  • Address: Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
• Additional Notes: FTN also operates a 50 MT/day vegetable oil refinery, indicating diversified operations.

4. Johnvents Industries Limited (Ondo)

• Overview: A leading agribusiness with an 18,000 MT cocoa processing plant in Akure, Johnvents is expanding its capacity to 120 MT/day with IFC support. They focus on sustainable and traceable cocoa.
• Sourcing Preferences: Sources high-quality cocoa beans from Ondo and nearby states, aiming for 100% traceability by 2027. They work with local farmers and cooperatives.
• Applications: Produces cocoa butter, cake, and powder for chocolates, confectioneries, and health products, targeting both local and export markets.
• Contact:
  • Website: Johnvents
  • Email: Not publicly listed
  • Address: Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
• Additional Notes: IFC’s $23.3 million financing package supports Johnvents’ expansion and decarbonization efforts.

5. Premium Cocoa Products (Ile-Oluji) (Ondo)

• Overview: Established in 1980, Premium Cocoa is Nigeria’s pioneer cocoa processing company, producing cocoa powder, cake, and liquor with a state-of-the-art facility in Ile-Oluji.
• Sourcing Preferences: Sources high-quality cocoa beans directly from local farmers in Ondo and neighboring states, emphasizing sustainable and ethical sourcing.
• Applications: Exports cocoa products to global chocolate and confectionery industries and supplies local manufacturers.
• Contact:
  • Website: Premium Cocoa Ile-Oluji
  • Email: Not publicly listed
  • Address: Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Nigeria
• Additional Notes: Known for its legacy of quality, Premium Cocoa maintains rigorous standards for flavor and aroma.

6. Tulip Cocoa (Lagos)

• Overview: A subsidiary of Theobroma, Tulip Cocoa is a major player in both processing and exporting raw cocoa beans, serving markets in Europe and Asia.
• Sourcing Preferences: Sources from local suppliers in Ondo, Osun, and other cocoa-producing states, using modern equipment to clean and pack beans for export.
• Applications: Exports raw cocoa beans and processed products like cocoa butter and powder to international chocolate manufacturers.
• Contact:
  • Email: Not publicly listed
  • Location: Lagos, Nigeria
• Additional Notes: Concerns have been raised about Tulip sourcing from conservation areas like Omo Forest Reserve, though they claim to use digital questionnaires for sustainable sourcing.

7. Sunbeth Global Concepts Ltd (Lagos)

• Overview: A top cocoa exporter, Sunbeth Global Concepts accounted for 17% of Nigeria’s cocoa bean exports from November 2023 to October 2024, with 36 shipments.
• Sourcing Preferences: Sources fermented and dried cocoa beans from major producing states, ensuring low moisture (8% max) and minimal impurities (2% max).
• Applications: Exports raw cocoa beans to international buyers, primarily for chocolate production.
• Contact:
  • Website: Not publicly listed
  • Location: Lagos, Nigeria
• Additional Notes: Sunbeth is a trusted supplier with a focus on meeting global quality standards.

Market Dynamics

• Production and Demand: Nigeria produces 280,000–300,000 metric tons of cocoa annually, with a 4% projected annual growth. The country is the fourth-largest exporter globally, with a market worth over $700 million. Major export destinations include Europe (e.g., Ukraine, Poland), Asia, and the Americas.
• Applications:
  • Food Industry: Cocoa beans, butter, and powder are used in chocolates, beverages, and confectioneries.
  • Cosmetics: Cocoa butter is a key ingredient in moisturizing creams and soaps.
  • Animal Feed: Cocoa husks are processed into feed for poultry and fish.
• Sustainability: Companies like WACOT and Johnvents emphasize sustainable sourcing, with certifications like UTZ/Rainforest Alliance. However, issues like forced labor and sourcing from conservation areas (e.g., Omo Forest Reserve) raise concerns.
• Challenges: Aging trees, low yields, pests, diseases, and climate change (e.g., unpredictable rainfall) hinder production. Theft of cocoa pods, exacerbated by high global prices, is a growing issue. Poor infrastructure, such as bad roads, also affects transport.
• Opportunities: The global demand for cocoa is rising, driven by chocolate consumption. Investments in modern farming techniques and processing facilities, supported by entities like NEXIM, offer growth potential.

How to Connect with Buyers

• Trade Platforms:
  • Volza: Lists 144 cocoa bean suppliers in Nigeria, with details on buyers like Sunbeth Global Concepts and Olatunde International Ltd. Subscription required for full access.
  • go4WorldBusiness: Connects suppliers with bulk buyers, offering specifications like moisture content (<7%) and bean count (89–99/kg).
  • NEPC Exporters’ Directory: Provides verified exporter contacts and product maps for sourcing cocoa by region.
• Quality Standards: Buyers require well-fermented, sun-dried cocoa beans with moisture ≤8%, defective beans ≤3%, and minimal impurities. Certifications like Rainforest Alliance enhance appeal.
• Direct Outreach: Contact companies like Omas Commodities or WACOT via their websites or emails. Provide samples and detailed specifications (e.g., bean count, moisture content).
• Networking: Engage with cooperatives in Ondo, Osun, or Cross River, or attend international trade shows facilitated by NEPC.
• Avoiding Scams: Verify buyer legitimacy through NEPC’s certificate verification portal or platforms like Volza. Avoid upfront payments to unverified entities.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s cocoa industry is a vital economic driver, with companies like Omas Commodities, WACOT Limited, FTN Cocoa Processors, Johnvents, Premium Cocoa, Tulip Cocoa, and Sunbeth Global Concepts leading the charge in purchasing and exporting cocoa. These companies source from major producing states, focusing on quality, sustainability, and traceability to meet global demand. Despite challenges like climate change, theft, and forced labor concerns, the sector offers significant opportunities due to rising global cocoa consumption and investments in modern farming. Suppliers can connect with these buyers through trade platforms, direct outreach, and adherence to strict quality standards. For further details, visit company websites or explore platforms like Volza and go4WorldBusiness to tap into Nigeria’s thriving cocoa market.