Cocoa; butter, fat and oil

HS code 180400 covers a vital industry in the global food and agricultural sector - the production of cocoa, cocoa butter, fat, and oil. These commodities are essential ingredients in a wide range of consumer products, from chocolate and confectionery to cosmetics and personal care items. The cocoa industry plays a significant role in the economies of producing countries, providing livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers and contributing to international trade flows.

The production of cocoa and its derivatives involves several key steps. Cocoa beans are harvested from cocoa trees, fermented, dried, and then roasted to develop their characteristic flavor. The roasted beans are then processed to extract the cocoa butter, which is a valuable byproduct used in various applications. The remaining cocoa solids can be further processed into cocoa powder or other cocoa-based ingredients.

The cocoa industry relies on a range of inputs, including fertile land, suitable climatic conditions, and a skilled agricultural workforce. Specialized machinery and equipment are used for harvesting, fermentation, drying, and processing the cocoa beans. Additionally, the industry requires a reliable supply chain and transportation infrastructure to move the raw materials and finished products to domestic and international markets.

The primary outputs of HS code 180400 are cocoa beans, cocoa butter, cocoa fat, and cocoa oil. These products are widely used in the food and cosmetics industries. Cocoa beans and their derivatives are key ingredients in the production of 180610 Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, 330499 Beauty or make-up preparations and skin care preparations, and a variety of other consumer goods.