Dubai’s ports and logistics network make it a top gateway for cocoa imports into the Middle East and Asia. In 2023, the UAE imported about USD 17.3 million worth of raw cocoa beans, and in April 2026, DMCC announced plans for a Cacao Centre in Dubai to store, grade, blend and process cocoa beans.
Cocoa beans are the essential ingredient behind every chocolate bar, truffle, and cocoa-based product. For chocolate makers, bean-to-bar brands, grinders and traders buying in the UAE, the right beans come down to the variety and origin, which shape flavour; the grade, set by a cut test; the moisture, which decides whether beans arrive free of mould; and a supplier who can deliver the same quality, lot after lot.
Overview
Most of the cocoa beans traded through Dubai come from West Africa, which grows about 70% of the world’s cocoa. These are mainly Forastero-type beans with a classic, robust chocolate flavour: Côte d’Ivoire for smooth, versatile volume, Ghana for bright fruitiness, Nigeria for bold, earthy beans and Cameroon for floral, often reddish beans. Fine-flavour Criollo and Trinitario beans come mainly from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Buyers should ask for a written specification, approve a sample by cut test on 300 beans, write Grade I or Grade II limits into the contract, and expect moisture of about 7%. Beans ship in jute bags, about 15 to 16 tonnes to a 20ft container, and take about 4 to 8 weeks from order to arrival at Jebel Ali. Prices follow the world cocoa market, so suppliers quote per lot. Radad International supplies African cocoa beans from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Uganda on FOB or CIF terms, from retail packs to full containers.
In this guide
- Radad International at a glance
- Why source cocoa beans through Dubai
- The three main types of cocoa beans
- Grades and quality checks
- Global cocoa production
- The origins of African cocoa beans
- Choosing the right cocoa beans
- What to put in your specification
- Why bulk importation saves money
- Cocoa bean prices
- Sourcing and importation timeline
- Importation methods, costs and documents
- How to buy from Radad in Dubai
- Choosing your supplier
- Storage and quality maintenance
- Emerging trends in the UAE
- FAQs
- Sources and References
Your supplier
Radad International at a Glance
Radad International is a cocoa bean supplier operating between Dubai and the cocoa-growing regions of Africa. We source directly from African farming communities and supply chocolate makers, food manufacturers, bakeries and traders in the UAE and around the world, both wholesale and retail.
200+
Clients served
47+
Countries supplied
1,800 MT
Supplied in the first half of 2026
700 MT
Supplied in 2025
6
African origins: Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Uganda
FOB / CIF
Shipping terms, from retail packs to containers
Trade hub
Why Source Cocoa Beans Through Dubai
Dubai’s ports, free zones and air links make it a natural point for buying and re-exporting cocoa across the Gulf, Asia and Africa. In 2023 the UAE imported about USD 17.3 million of raw cocoa beans, almost all from Côte d’Ivoire, and re-exported most of them to neighbouring markets.
Ports and free zones
Jebel Ali and the free zones handle container shipments from West Africa and onward re-export, with warehouse options under customs supervision.
A growing cocoa cluster
DMCC counts 88 member companies in cocoa trading, chocolate making and confectionery, and in April 2026 announced plans for a Cacao Centre to store, grade, blend and process beans.
Close to the buyer
A supplier with a Dubai presence can send samples, arrange inspections and handle documents in your time zone, while the beans ship direct from origin.
Sun-dried African cocoa beans, shipped to Dubai.
Varieties
The Three Main Types of Cocoa Beans
To make informed sourcing decisions, it’s crucial to understand the three main types of cocoa beans and how their unique characteristics influence flavor, aroma, and usage:
Criollo Beans
Often called the “Prince of Cocoa,” Criollo represents less than 5% of global production. These beans deliver a delicate, nuanced flavor with notes of fruit, spices, and floral undertones. Grown mainly in Venezuela, Ecuador, and parts of Central America, Criollo beans fetch premium prices and are reserved for high-end, single-origin chocolates.
Forastero Beans
Making up roughly 80% of the world’s cocoa production, Forastero beans are hardy and high-yielding, with a classic, robust chocolate profile. You’ll find Forastero plantations across West Africa, particularly Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria, where they thrive in large-scale operations supplying bulk cocoa beans for mass-market chocolates.
Trinitario Beans
Created as a hybrid of Criollo and Forastero in Trinidad in the 18th century, Trinitario strikes a balance between power and subtlety. These beans (around 15% of global output) impart complex flavors, often fruity or nutty, and are grown in regions like Grenada, Dominican Republic, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Variety
Share of world output
Flavour
Best for
Variety
Forastero
Share of world output
About 80%
Flavour
Bold, classic chocolate, earthy
Best for
Industrial and dark chocolate, cocoa powder, butter
Variety
Trinitario
Share of world output
About 15%
Flavour
Complex, often fruity or nutty
Best for
Premium and craft chocolate, balanced blends
Variety
Criollo
Share of world output
Less than 5%
Flavour
Delicate, fruity, spicy, floral
Best for
Fine, luxury and single-origin chocolate
Quality
Cocoa Bean Grades and Quality Checks
Beyond type, grading systems classify beans by a cut test on 300 beans, using the limits in ISO 2451, plus moisture. Each bean is cut lengthwise and its interior is classed by colour and defect:
Defect (by count, cut test)
Grade I
Grade II
Defect (by count, cut test)
Mouldy beans
Grade I
Max 3%
Grade II
Max 4%
Defect (by count, cut test)
Slaty (unfermented) beans
Grade I
Max 3%
Grade II
Max 8%
Defect (by count, cut test)
Insect-damaged or germinated
Grade I
Max 3% combined
Grade II
Max 6% combined
Defect (by count, cut test)
Moisture
Grade I
Max 8.0% at loading, 7.5% on arrival
Grade II
Max 8.0% at loading, 7.5% on arrival
Grade I
Ideal for gourmet and single-origin chocolates.
Grade II
Still suitable for confectionery, cocoa liquor, powder and butter.
Below grade
Lots outside these limits are discounted or rejected, or diverted to bulk industrial processes like cocoa powder and mass-market products.
Beyond the grade, check that beans are even in size (main-crop West African beans run at about 100 beans per 100 g), smell of cocoa rather than smoke or mould, and are dry at about 7% moisture.
Beans are shipped in jute bags, usually 60 to 65 kg each.
Supply
Global Cocoa Production: Leading Countries and Annual Output
Understanding which countries dominate cocoa production can guide buyers toward the right origin for their flavor and budget requirements. Here are the five largest producers and their output in the 2023/24 season:
Country
2023/24 output (metric tons)
Share of world output
Main bean type
Flavor profile highlights
Country
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
2023/24 output (metric tons)
1,674,000
Share of world output
38.3%
Main bean type
Forastero
Flavor profile highlights
Earthy, robust, classic cocoa
Country
Ghana
2023/24 output (metric tons)
449,000
Share of world output
10.3%
Main bean type
Forastero
Flavor profile highlights
Bold, nutty, slight fruitiness
Country
Ecuador
2023/24 output (metric tons)
419,000
Share of world output
9.6%
Main bean type
Nacional (Arriba) and CCN-51
Flavor profile highlights
Floral, fruity, vibrant acidity
Country
Nigeria
2023/24 output (metric tons)
350,000
Share of world output
8.0%
Main bean type
Forastero
Flavor profile highlights
Rich, aromatic, intense
Country
Cameroon
2023/24 output (metric tons)
320,000
Share of world output
7.3%
Main bean type
Forastero and Trinitario
Flavor profile highlights
Distinctive, often reddish beans with floral notes
Country
World total
2023/24 output (metric tons)
4,368,000
Share of world output
100%
Main bean type
Flavor profile highlights
Figures rounded to the nearest thousand tonnes.
Since then
World production recovered to about 4.72 million tonnes in 2024/25, giving a small surplus after a record deficit in 2023/24. Ecuador is growing fastest and is expected to produce more than 650,000 tonnes in 2025/26, overtaking Ghana as the second-largest producer. West Africa still grows most of the world’s cocoa.
Origins
The Origins of African Cocoa Beans
Ghana: Bright Fruitiness
Ghana is famous for producing premium cocoa beans with a bright, fruity flavor profile. Known for their balanced acidity, these beans are a favorite for high-quality dark and milk chocolates. Ghana’s commitment to quality control, through its Cocoa Board, ensures that only the best beans reach the market.
Ivory Coast: Smooth and Versatile
Ivory Coast is the world’s largest cocoa producer, providing beans with a mild, well-rounded flavor. These beans are highly versatile, making them ideal for mass production and blended chocolates.
Nigeria: Bold Earthiness
Nigerian cocoa beans are known for their bold, earthy flavor with hints of nuttiness. These beans are often used in premium dark chocolate products, appreciated for their intense taste.
Cameroon: Floral Aromatics
Cocoa beans from Cameroon are unique for their floral and tea-like aromatic profile, making them ideal for single-origin chocolates. Chocolatiers value their ability to add a delicate, nuanced flavor to their creations.
Radad International also sources from Sierra Leone and Uganda, smaller origins that suit buyers looking for distinctive single-origin lots beyond the main West African producers.
Premium African cocoa beans for chocolate makers in Dubai and the UAE.
Selection
Choosing the Right Cocoa Beans for Your Needs
If you are in the chocolate business, choosing the right beans is essential. These are starting points; always test a sample in your own process before ordering:
For dark chocolate
Look for bold flavors like those from Nigeria or Cameroon, or Ghanaian Grade I beans for a strong cocoa base.
For milk chocolate
Ivory Coast beans offer a smooth, mild base, where dairy carries much of the flavour.
For fruity notes
Ghana’s beans are perfect with their bright, berry-like flavors.
Bean-to-bar and single origin
Choose one origin and keep it consistent, and ask for lot details so you can name the origin on the pack.
Cocoa powder and butter
Grinders often buy Grade II beans in larger volumes, where fat content and yield matter more than fine flavour.
Roasted beans and nibs
Even bean size matters most, so every bean roasts at the same rate.
What Else to Check
Origin matters
Choose Ghana for fruity notes, Ivory Coast for balance, Nigeria for boldness, and Cameroon for floral aromatics.
Organic and fair-trade certifications
Look for USDA Organic, Rainforest Alliance (which merged with UTZ), or Fairtrade to ensure ethical practices.
Bean grade and fermentation quality
Well-fermented beans, mostly brown inside when cut, give fuller chocolate flavour. Ask for the grade and the cut-test results for each lot.
Bean size and moisture content
Uniform size and moisture around 6 to 7.5% ensure consistent roasting.
Specification
What to Put in Your Cocoa Bean Specification
A written specification protects both buyer and supplier. Agree these points before the sample is approved, and refer to them in the contract:
Item
What to specify
Why
Item
Origin and crop
What to specify
Country, region and main or mid crop
Why
Flavour and consistency
Item
Grade
What to specify
Grade I or Grade II, cut-test limits per ISO 2451
Why
Flavour, yield and price
Item
Moisture
What to specify
About 7%, maximum 7.5% on arrival
Why
Prevents mould in transit and storage
Item
Bean count
What to specify
Beans per 100 g, for example about 100 for main-crop West African beans
Why
Even roasting and yield
Item
Foreign matter and flat beans
What to specify
Limits on stones, husks, flat and broken beans
Why
Clean, efficient processing
Item
Smell
What to specify
Free of smoky, mouldy or other off-odours
Why
Off-odours carry into the chocolate
Item
Contaminants
What to specify
Laboratory limits for mycotoxins, pesticide residues and heavy metals agreed with the buyer
Why
Food safety and export compliance
Item
Packaging and certificates
What to specify
Jute bags, quantity per container, organic or other certificates if needed
Why
Correct handling and documents
Bulk buying
Why Bulk Cocoa Bean Importation Saves You Lots of Money
For manufacturers, chocolatiers, and cocoa-based producers, importing cocoa beans in bulk offers clear advantages:
Economies of scale
Buying 20 or 40 foot containers reduces the per-kilogram cost significantly compared to smaller parcels or specialty shipments. A 20ft container holds about 15 to 16 tonnes of bagged beans.
Consistent production
Bulk supply contracts ensure you won’t run out of beans mid-production, critical for meeting customer demand and maintaining product lines.
Customization opportunities
Larger volumes allow you to create proprietary blends, mixing Forastero for structure with Trinitario or Criollo for flavor complexity.
Supply chain control
Working directly with exporters and port agents means you can oversee quality checks, certifications, and traceability from farm to factory.
Prices
Cocoa Bean Prices in 2026
There is no fixed price for cocoa beans. Every lot is priced from the world futures market plus a differential for origin, grade and certification, then freight and insurance are added depending on whether you buy FOB or CIF.
The market has been unusually volatile. New York cocoa futures rose to a record of almost USD 12,900 a tonne in December 2024, fell below USD 3,000 in February 2026 and recovered to about USD 5,830 a tonne by mid-October 2026. A quote is therefore valid only for a short time, and many buyers fix the price for part of their volume and leave the rest open.
Prices
Price of Cocoa Beans
Current prices, farmgate prices by origin and how to buy bulk quantities.
Timeline
Cocoa Bean Sourcing and Importation: A Step-by-Step Timeline
Successfully bringing cocoa beans from African, Latin American, or Asian farms to your Dubai warehouse involves multiple stages. Here’s a typical timeline and best practices:
Stage
Duration
Key actions
Stage
1. Supplier vetting
Duration
1 to 2 weeks
Key actions
Review certifications (Fairtrade, Organic, Rainforest Alliance), sample testing, negotiate terms.
Stage
2. Contract finalization
Duration
1 week
Key actions
Sign agreements specifying bean grade, origin, quantity and Incoterms (FOB or CIF).
Stage
3. Farm-to-port logistics
Duration
2 to 3 weeks
Key actions
Beans fermented, sun-dried, bagged; transported to nearest port.
Stage
4. Sea freight
Duration
4 to 6 weeks
Key actions
Ship 20ft or 40ft container; track shipment; arrange marine insurance.
Stage
5. Customs clearance
Duration
3 to 7 days
Key actions
Submit health and quality certificates, pay duties, clear with UAE customs.
Stage
6. Inland transportation
Duration
2 to 4 days
Key actions
Transport container to Dubai warehouse or processing facility.
Stage
7. Quality inspection
Duration
1 to 2 days
Key actions
Random sampling, moisture testing (about 7%), defect count, sensory evaluation.
Most cocoa beans reach Dubai by container through Jebel Ali.
Logistics
Cocoa Bean Importation Methods, Costs and Documents
Sea freight
Cost-effective for large quantities; transit time varies by origin (4 to 8 weeks).
Air freight
Faster but more expensive; ideal for premium beans and urgent samples.
Direct supplier partnerships
Long-term relationships with farmers for consistent quality.
Documents for UAE Clearance
Each shipment usually travels with a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate and quality certificate, plus organic or other certificates where the lot is certified. The importer also needs a UAE trade licence with a food-trading activity and registration with the UAE food import systems before the goods arrive. Our guide to cocoa suppliers in the UAE, listed under More Guides below, explains licences and registration step by step.
Ordering
How to Buy Cocoa Beans From Radad International in Dubai
1
Send your requirements
Tell us the origin, grade, quantity, packaging and delivery port. If you are not sure, tell us what you make and we will suggest options.
2
Receive a specification and a sample
We send the specification for the lot and a sample, so you can cut-test it and try it in your own roast before bulk orders.
3
Agree price and terms
Prices follow the futures market plus an origin differential. We quote FOB or CIF, and agree payment terms in writing.
4
Shipment and documents
The beans are inspected and loaded at origin. You receive the bill of lading, invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary and quality certificates.
5
Arrival in Dubai
Allow about 4 to 8 weeks from order to arrival at Jebel Ali. Your importer or broker clears the goods, and you check the delivery against the agreed specification.
Order size
We supply whole cocoa beans in 1 kg retail packs and in bulk, up to full containers of about 15 to 16 tonnes in a 20ft container. Larger orders ship in 40ft containers or as several containers spread over the year.
Supplier checks
Key Considerations for Choosing Your Supplier
To maintain a competitive edge and achieve consistent chocolate quality, evaluate suppliers on these dimensions:
Traceability
Can you trace the beans back to the farm or cooperative? Transparent end-to-end tracking builds trust and supports marketing claims (e.g., single-origin).
Certifications
Organic, Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance certifications not only ensure ethical practices but also attract premium segments in the market.
Sustainability practices
Look for suppliers investing in farmer training, agroforestry, and community development. This reduces environmental impact and secures long-term supply.
Financial stability
A supplier’s ability to advance payments, manage logistics, and insure shipments affects reliability.
Quality control systems
On-site fermentation monitoring, moisture-level audits, and third-party lab testing ensure beans meet your specifications.
Samples and specifications
A reliable supplier sends a written specification and a sample from the actual lot, and accepts inspection before loading.
Storage
Storage, Processing, and Quality Maintenance
Once beans arrive in Dubai, maintaining their quality requires controlled handling. Dubai’s heat and coastal humidity are hard on cocoa: condensation and damp cause mould, and heat speeds up the loss of quality.
- Keep beans dry, at about 7% moisture. Above about 8%, mould can develop.
- Store bags on pallets, away from walls and the floor, with air circulating around them.
- Avoid direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures; use an air-conditioned or well-ventilated store in the Dubai summer.
- Keep cocoa away from strong odours such as spices, fuel or chemicals; beans absorb smells.
- Use a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to prevent prolonged storage.
- Check for insects regularly and keep the store clean.
Processing facilities: whether fermenting further, roasting, or grinding, ensure equipment cleanliness and standardized operating procedures to preserve bean integrity.
Market trends
Emerging Trends in Cocoa and Chocolate in the UAE
Dubai’s chocolate scene is evolving rapidly, influenced by global trends and local tastes:
Single-origin, artisanal chocolate
Chocolatiers highlight bean origin, roasting profiles, and bean-to-bar processes, catering to connoisseurs.
Health-focused products
Low-sugar, high-cacao dark chocolates (70%+) and functional chocolates infused with vitamins or superfoods.
Luxury packaging and gifting
Premium chocolate gift sets, often incorporating local motifs or gold leaf, target the high-end gift market.
Sustainable and ethical chocolate
Brands promoting fair pay to farmers, carbon-neutral shipping, and zero-waste packaging attract eco-conscious consumers.
Filled bars and Dubai chocolate
The viral pistachio and kunafa bar created a wave of new filled-chocolate brands that need dependable cocoa in small, regular lots.
Local cocoa processing
The planned DMCC Cacao Centre could add grading, blending and processing of beans in Dubai itself.
In summary
Conclusion
While many global traders operate in Dubai, a standout partner is Radad International. We source directly from African smallholders, ensuring fresh, organic, and fairly traded beans arrive at your door, ready to transform into exceptional chocolate products.
African cocoa beans bring vivid flavors, powerful health benefits, and ethical value to your products. From farm to bar, understanding origin, processing, and sustainable practices ensures you choose the best beans. Dubai’s strategic position and modern facilities make it an exceptional hub for sourcing premium African cocoa. With the right knowledge and a reliable partner, you’re set to create chocolate that delights the palate and honors the farmers who grow it.
Work with Radad International
Buy African Cocoa Beans in Dubai From Radad International
Tell us the origin, grade and volume you need, and we will send you a specification, a sample and a market-linked quotation on FOB or CIF terms.
Or email info@radadinternational.com · +971 522 501 039
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I buy cocoa beans in Dubai?
From cocoa bean exporters with a Dubai presence, such as Radad International, or from importers and traders that hold stock in the UAE. Exporters ship direct from origin by the container; local traders sell smaller quantities from stock.
Which cocoa bean type is best for creating a balanced chocolate profile?
Trinitario offers the best of both worlds: body from Forastero and nuanced flavors from Criollo, making it ideal for balanced chocolate blends.
Are African cocoa beans better than other types?
African cocoa beans are known for their rich, diverse flavors. With regions like Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cameroon each offering unique flavor profiles, they are a favorite among chocolatiers.
What grade of cocoa beans should I buy?
Grade I (maximum 3% mouldy, 3% slaty and 3% insect-damaged or germinated beans) suits chocolate makers who care about flavour. Grade II (4%, 8% and 6%) is common for grinding into powder and butter.
How do I test bean quality?
Check moisture (around 7%), run a cut test on 300 beans against the grade limits, and smell for off-notes such as smoke or mould. For contaminants, send a sample to an accredited laboratory.
How do I calculate the right order size for my production needs?
Estimate your monthly cocoa requirements (in kg), add a 10 to 15% safety stock, and plan container loads based on that total. A 20ft container holds about 15 to 16 metric tons of bagged beans.
Can I buy small sample lots?
Yes, reputable cocoa bean suppliers in Dubai, like Radad International, offer sample quantities for testing, so you can dial in your roast profile before bulk orders.
How much do cocoa beans cost in Dubai?
Prices follow the world cocoa market, which was about USD 5,830 a tonne on New York futures in mid-October 2026, plus differentials for origin, grade and certification and the cost of freight. Ask for a dated quote for the lot you want.
How long does delivery to Dubai take?
Allow about 4 to 8 weeks from order confirmation to arrival at Jebel Ali, depending on origin, shipping route and document preparation.
What certifications should I prioritize for premium markets?
Organic and Fairtrade certifications are highly valued. Rainforest Alliance, which merged with UTZ, also signals ethical sourcing.
Can I mix different origins in one shipment?
Yes, but maintain separate bags or liners per origin to avoid flavor cross-contamination and to preserve traceability.
What’s the typical shelf life of unprocessed cocoa beans?
It depends on storage. Beans kept dry (about 7% moisture), cool and away from strong odours hold their quality for many months, but quality declines slowly over time, so use first-in, first-out and check moisture and smell before use.
What is the difference between organic and conventional cocoa beans?
Organic beans are grown without synthetic chemicals, making them a cleaner option, and come with an organic certificate for each lot. They are often valued for a purer flavor and for supporting environmental health.
What documents do I need to import cocoa beans into the UAE?
Typically a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate and quality certificate. The importer also needs a trade licence with a food-trading activity and registration with the UAE food import systems.
Are cocoa powders as healthy as whole beans?
Cocoa powders retain many antioxidants and minerals but may lose some fiber. Look for non-alkalized (natural) cocoa powders for maximum benefits.
Keep reading
More Guides from Radad International
UAE buying guide
Cocoa Suppliers in UAE
How to choose and buy every cocoa product in the UAE, with licences and registration.
Importing
How to Buy and Import Bulk Cocoa Beans
Seven steps from specification to customs.
African origins
African Cocoa Beans in UAE
Origins, the UAE cocoa hub and supplier checks.
Origins
Single-Origin Cocoa Beans from Africa
What single origin means and where the beans come from.
Sources and References
- DMCC, DMCC to launch Cacao Centre to accelerate USD 26.2 billion global cocoa trade through Dubai (April 2026)
- OEC (Observatory of Economic Complexity), UAE cocoa bean trade data, 2023
- World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade), UAE imports of HS 1801 cocoa beans, 2023
- ICCO, Quarterly Bulletin of Cocoa Statistics, Vol. LI, No. 2 (May 2025)
- ICCO, May 2026 Quarterly Bulletin of Cocoa Statistics
- CAOBISCO/ECA, ISO cocoa standards summary
- ISO 2451:2017, Cocoa beans: specification and quality requirements (sample pages)
- CAOBISCO/ECA/FCC, Cocoa Beans: Chocolate and Cocoa Industry Quality Requirements, 2023
- AVSF, Organic and fair trade cocoa
- Agri4Africa, Establishing your own cocoa farm in Africa
- ChemLinked, United Arab Emirates food regulation
