Cocoa powder, sweetened

cpc code 23640 covers the production of sweetened cocoa powder, a vital ingredient in the confectionery and baking industries. Cocoa powder is a key component in the manufacture of chocolate, hot chocolate, and a wide range of baked goods. As a globally traded commodity, the production and export of sweetened cocoa powder plays an important role in the international food and beverage supply chain.

Sweetened cocoa powder is produced by processing cocoa beans through a series of steps. First, the cocoa beans are fermented, dried, and roasted to develop their characteristic flavor. The roasted beans are then cracked and the nibs (cocoa solids) are separated from the shells. The nibs are ground into a cocoa liquor or cocoa mass, which is then pressed to extract the cocoa butter. The remaining cocoa solids are then finely ground and mixed with sugar to create the sweetened cocoa powder.

The main inputs for the production of sweetened cocoa powder include cocoa beans, sugar, and processing equipment such as roasters, grinders, and presses. Cocoa beans are the primary raw material, sourced from major producing regions like West Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Sugar is added to the cocoa solids to create the desired sweetness profile. Specialized machinery and equipment are used to ferment, dry, roast, grind, and blend the ingredients into the final sweetened cocoa powder product.

Sweetened cocoa powder is a versatile ingredient used in a wide range of food and beverage products. It is a key component in the manufacture of chocolate, hot chocolate, and various baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and brownies. The output of this industry is often consumed by 20810 Chocolate and Cocoa Products, 20860 Confectionery, and 31182 Bakery Products, among other related industries.