Cocoa: a driver of Brazil's economy and tourism
30-03-25
Cocoa, an essential fruit in the production of chocolate, plays a crucial role in the economy and tourism in various regions of Brazil. The country is the sixth largest cocoa producer in the world, with an annual production of approximately 265,000 tonnes. This crop not only boosts the local economy, but also promotes tourism in areas where cocoa production is prominent.
The history of cocoa in Brazil dates back to 1679, when the Portuguese introduced its cultivation in the state of Pará, in the northern region. However, it was in Bahia that cocoa found optimal conditions for its expansion, becoming the main national producer by the 1890s. Bahia maintained this leadership for more than a century, until, in 2016, Pará surpassed it with a production of 118,000 tonnes, consolidating itself in the Xingu Integration Region, especially in the city of Medicilândia.
Medicilândia, recognised as the ‘National Capital of Cocoa’, holds the annual CacauFest, an event that attracts tourists and highlights the cultural and economic importance of cocoa in the region. In 2024, local producers such as Míriam Vieira and Robson Brogni were awarded at the ‘Cocoa of Excellence Awards’ in Amsterdam, Holland, highlighting the quality of Brazilian cocoa on the international stage.
Bahia, although now the second largest cocoa producer in Brazil, is still a benchmark in cocoa production and tourism. Cities such as Ilhéus, known as the ‘Little Princess of the South’ and the ‘Cocoa Capital’, offer visitors an immersion in cocoa culture. Ilhéus, founded in 1536 and elevated to city status in 1881, is famous for being the setting of Jorge Amado's novels, such as ‘Gabriela, Cloves and Cinnamon’. The city combines its rich history with paradisiacal beaches and preserved colonial architecture, attracting tourists interested in the history of cocoa and Brazilian literature.
Cocoa production in Brazil is not limited to Pará and Bahia. States such as Espírito Santo, Rondônia, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Roraima and Minas Gerais also contribute significantly. Together, these states have boosted national chocolate production, reaching 805,000 tonnes in 2023, an increase of 6% compared to 2022. Per capita chocolate consumption in Brazil has also increased, rising from 3.6 kg to 3.9 kg in 2023, reflecting a growing appreciation for cocoa products.
Cocoa tourism offers unique sensory experiences throughout Brazil. The ‘Cocoa to Chocolate Route’ in Pará is a prime example. This tourism initiative promotes cocoa cultivation and chocolate production in the region. Combu Island, near Belém, is one of the emblematic destinations of this route, where artisanal chocolate production is combined with tourist activities. Visitors can enjoy boat trips on the Guamá River, go on ecological walks, visit cocoa plantations and participate in workshops that demonstrate the process of transforming Amazonian cocoa into chocolate.
In Bahia, the region of Ilhéus and its surroundings offer routes that allow tourists to explore centuries-old cocoa farms, walk through plantations and meet small producers who maintain traditional agroforestry cultivation techniques. These tours include tastings of artisanal chocolates and detailed explanations of the production process, from the harvesting of the almonds to the making of the chocolate. Events such as the International Chocolate and Cocoa Festival, held in Ilhéus, attract thousands of tourists and boost the local economy.
The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism recognises the importance of cocoa not only as an agricultural product, but also as an integrating element of culture, economy and tourism. Initiatives such as the ‘Latin American Cocoa Initiative’ seek to foster the sustainable development of the cocoa value chain, promoting successful agro-environmental practices and strengthening regional competitiveness. These actions contribute to environmental conservation and economic development of the communities involved.
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