COCOA BEANS
HS CODE: 1801
Cocoa is one of West Africa’s most valuable agricultural exports, widely demanded by chocolate manufacturers, beverage companies, and food processors around the world. Nigeria is among the top global producers, supplying high-quality fermented and unfermented cocoa beans.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Product: Cocoa Beans
- Grade: Premium Export Grade
- Type: Fermented / Unfermented (depending on buyer requirement)
- Moisture: 6–8% Max
- Bean Count: 80–120 beans per 100g
- Broken Beans: < 2%
- Mouldy Beans: < 3%
- Slaty Beans: < 3%
- Impurities: < 0.5%
- Packaging: 50kg or 65kg jute bags (export standard)
EXPORT ORIGIN
- Sourced from major cocoa-producing regions: Ondo, Osun, Cross River, Ekiti, Ogun, and Oyo.
USES
- Chocolate Manufacturing
- Cocoa Butter & Cocoa Powder Production
- Food & Beverage Industry
- Confectionery
- Cosmetic & Pharmaceutical Applications
MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY
- 20 Metric Tons (1 x 20ft container)
- 40–50 Metric Tons (1 x 40ft container)
DELIVERY TERMS
- FOB Lagos
- CIF (Any Port Worldwide)
- LC / TT / Escrow Payments Accepted
Cocoa is classified globally using several industry standards that help buyers understand its quality, origin, fermentation, processing level, and certification. Below are the complete internationally recognized categories of cocoa. Below is the full classification of cocoa categories commonly traded in the global export market. These cocoa grades help buyers understand quality, fermentation level, size, flavour profile, and intended industrial application.
Complete Global Cocoa Categories
Below is the full, comprehensive list of cocoa categories recognized in international trade:
1. Categories by Fermentation Level
Fermentation affects the flavour, aroma, and final chocolate quality.
- Fully Fermented Cocoa (FFB) – Highest quality; used for premium chocolate.
- Partly Fermented Cocoa – Acceptable for regular chocolate production.
- Lightly Fermented Cocoa – Often used for cocoa powder and industrial blending.
- Unfermented Cocoa – Used mainly for industrial processing.
2. Categories by Bean Size / Count
Measured by the number of beans per 100g.
- Large Beans: 80–95 beans/100g
- Medium Beans: 96–110 beans/100g
- Standard Beans (Main Crop): Around 100 beans/100g (≈300 beans/kg)
- Small Beans (Light Crop): 110+ beans/100g (≈310–350 beans/kg)
3. Categories by International Quality Grade
Quality grading is based on defects, fermentation, mould, moisture, and bean uniformity.
- Grade 1 Cocoa – Premium export quality, well-fermented, low defects.
- Grade 2 Cocoa – Standard export quality.
- FAQ Cocoa (Fair Average Quality) – Acceptable for bulk trading.
- Substandard / Industrial Cocoa – High defects, used for industrial processing.
4. Categories by Processing Type
Value-added cocoa derivatives.
- Raw Dried Cocoa Beans
- Fermented Cocoa Beans
- Cocoa Nibs
- Cocoa Liquor / Paste
- Cocoa Butter
- Cocoa Cake
- Cocoa Powder (Natural or Alkalized/Dutched)
- Cocoa Husk / Shell (Used for feed, fertilizer, and brewing)
5. Categories by Certification
Used in premium markets.
- Organic Cocoa (Certified)
- Fairtrade Cocoa
- Rainforest Alliance Certified Cocoa
- UTZ Certified Cocoa
- Conventional Cocoa (Non-certified)
6. Categories by Genetic Variety
The botanical origin influences taste and price.
- Forastero – Strong flavour; 80% of global production; Nigerian cocoa belongs here.
- Criollo – Rare, fine-flavour cocoa; premium and aromatic.
- Trinitario – Hybrid of Criollo & Forastero; balanced flavour and strength.
7. Categories by Origin (Terroir)
Regions influence flavour notes.
- West African Cocoa – Strong flavour, high fat content.
- Latin American Cocoa – Fruity, floral, fine-flavour.
- Asian Cocoa – Mild flavour, suitable for blending.
8. Categories by Moisture Level
Determines storage stability and export acceptance.
- Standard Dry Cocoa: 7–8% moisture
- Market Acceptable: 8–10% moisture
- Over-dried: Below 6% (brittle beans)
- Under-dried: Above 10% (risk of mould)
9. Categories by Defect Type
Used in quality evaluation and pricing.
- Mouldy beans
- Slate beans
- Insect-damaged beans
- Shrunken or flat beans
- Germinated beans
These comprehensive cocoa categories give buyers full visibility into quality, flavour profile, and suitability for different industries (chocolate, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, beverages, etc.).
Refiners Matrix Limited supplies cocoa beans that comply strictly with Global Export Standards, ensuring competitive quality for international buyers. understand quality, fermentation level, size, and bean integrity.
Cocoa Categories / Grades
1. By Fermentation Level
- Fully Fermented Cocoa (FFB)
- Partly Fermented Cocoa
- Lightly Fermented Cocoa
- Unfermented Cocoa
2. By Bean Size / Count
- Main Crop Cocoa (Approx. 280–300 beans/100g)
- Light Crop Cocoa (Approx. 310–350 beans/100g)
3. By Quality Standard
- Grade 1 Cocoa – lowest impurities, well fermented
- Grade 2 Cocoa – acceptable quality for processing
- Substandard / FAQ Cocoa – For industrial use
4. By Processing Type
- Raw Dried Cocoa Beans
- Fermented Cocoa Beans
- Cocoa Nibs
- Cocoa Liquor (Paste)
- Cocoa Butter
- Cocoa Cake
- Cocoa Powder (Natural / Alkalized)
5. By Certification
- Organic Cocoa
- Fairtrade Cocoa
- Rainforest Alliance Certified Cocoa
- UTZ Certified Cocoa
These categories determine pricing, buyer requirements, and market suitability. Refiners Matrix Limited supplies high-quality, fully fermented cocoa beans that meet global standards for chocolate and beverage production.
Cocoa is one of Nigeria’s most sought-after agro-exports, valued for its rich flavour profile, high butter content, and global demand from chocolate manufacturers. At Refiners Matrix Limited, we supply premium-quality cocoa beans sourced from the best-producing states in Nigeria, ensuring strict adherence to international export standards.
Export Specifications
- Bean Count (Main Crop): 300
- Or: 100 beans per 100 grams
- Impurities: Maximum of 2%
- Moisture: Maximum of 10%
- Total Defective (TD): Maximum of 4%
- Total Mould: Maximum of 3%
- Inspection: SGS or Buyer-nominated inspection agency
- Packaging: 62.5 kg net jute bags
Sourcing States
Our cocoa beans are sourced from the top-quality producing regions in Nigeria:
- Ondo
- Cross River
- Oyo
- Osun
- Akwa Ibom
Product Knowledge
Nigerian cocoa beans are globally recognised for their distinctive aroma and dark colour, making them ideal for chocolate, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and confectionery production. At Refiners Matrix Limited, we ensure that our beans undergo proper fermentation and drying, resulting in superior flavour development and optimal export quality.
Request a Quote / Place an Order
For pricing, samples, logistics, and export arrangements:
📩 Email: info.refinersmatrix@gmail.com
📞 Phone: +2347039686464 | +2349122142356
🌍 Refiners Matrix Limited – Trusted Global Agro Commodity Exporters
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