Togo eyes fine flavor cocoa market with new processing facility

Agriculture

Wednesday, 13 May 2026 15:24

Togo eyes fine flavor cocoa market with new processing facility

(Togo First) - Togo is repositioning its cocoa sector toward the premium segment in a bid to better withstand volatility in global markets and capture more value from its production.

A key part of the strategy is the construction of a premium cocoa processing center in Abréwankor, in Wawa prefecture.

Led by the Comité de coordination pour les filières café et cacao (CCFCC), the project represents an investment of 160 million CFA francs, fully financed by the industry body.

Built on a 1.37-hectare site, the facility includes a 25-tonne storage warehouse, a fermentation hall, five drying tunnels, a solar-powered drinking water system and vehicles used to collect cocoa from 13 producer villages.

100 tonnes targeted in first year

The center aims to produce 100 tonnes of premium cocoa in its first year, targeting high-end international niche markets. Over the longer term, Lomé hopes to join the select group of countries recognised for producing “fine flavor” cocoa.

“The center will help further improve the quality of Togolese cocoa and bring premium-grade cocoa to international markets,” CCFCC head Enselme Gouthon said during a press conference in Lomé on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

“Construction work, which began in October 2025, has now been completed. We drew inspiration from Cameroon’s centers of excellence. This facility will strengthen the quality of Togolese cocoa [...] and help position Togo among the countries producing fine flavor cocoa,” he added.

For sector officials, the move upmarket is also a way to shield producers from international market pressures.

“Global cocoa markets are increasingly competitive and volatile. We need to target buyers looking for high-quality products,” Gouthon said, adding that premium cocoa can sell for “two to three times” prevailing market prices.

The center is scheduled to be inaugurated on May 23 in the presence of representatives from the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), French chocolatiers and Togolese producers recognised at the 2025 Cocoa of Excellence competition.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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