The Vice-President of Côte d'Ivoire's Interprofessional Agricultural Organisation (OIA) of Coffee and Cocoa, Pénatchirigué Soro, has commended cocoa producers for their courage and resilience in the face of difficulties encountered during the previous campaign season. Speaking on behalf of the President of the OIA Café-Cacao's Board of Directors, Siaka Diakité, at the launch ceremony of the 2026-2027 main campaign in Bongouanou, Soro expressed the organisation's compassion and solidarity with producers who faced several challenges affecting their farms and incomes.
Soro cited the volatility of global prices and stock market adjustments, which weighed heavily on producers' incomes, as well as climate challenges and operational difficulties on the ground. Despite these challenges, he noted that producers did not give up and assured them that they would continue to play a vital role in Côte d'Ivoire's economy. He also expressed confidence that they would continue to cultivate cocoa, a crop that is crucial to the country's economy.
The OIA Café-Cacao aims to continue defending the interests of actors in the cocoa industry and promoting dialogue between different stakeholders in the value chain, alongside the Coffee and Cocoa Council, the regulatory body of the sector. This mobilisation of producers comes at a time when new European regulations against deforestation require industry players to strengthen the traceability and sustainability of production.
The ceremony, which took place at the Bongouanou prefecture, was attended by administrative authorities, representatives of the Coffee and Cocoa Council, elected officials, defence and security forces, cooperative societies, professional organisations, and producers. The event marked the official launch of the 2026-2027 main campaign, which is expected to be crucial for Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa sector.
Côte d'Ivoire is the world's largest producer of cocoa, and the sector plays a vital role in the country's economy. However, producers have faced significant challenges in recent years, including climate change, pests, and diseases, which have affected production and incomes. The OIA Café-Cacao's efforts to support producers and promote sustainable production practices are therefore crucial for the sector's future.
The organisation's commitment to defending the interests of actors in the cocoa industry and promoting dialogue between stakeholders is also essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector. By working together, producers, regulators, and other stakeholders can address the challenges facing the sector and ensure that cocoa continues to play a vital role in Côte d'Ivoire's economy.
The launch ceremony in Bongouanou marked an important milestone in the 2026-2027 campaign, and the OIA Café-Cacao's message of solidarity and support for producers is expected to resonate throughout the sector. As the campaign gets underway, producers will be closely watched to see how they respond to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Key points
- The OIA Café-Cacao has expressed solidarity with cocoa producers who faced challenges during the previous campaign season.
- The organisation aims to continue defending the interests of actors in the cocoa industry and promoting dialogue between stakeholders.
- The launch ceremony in Bongouanou marked the official start of the 2026-2027 main campaign in Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa sector.
