Sweet Advantage: How Australian Cocoa Is Thriving Amid Global Chocolate Crisis

INTRODUCTION: A CHOCOLATE CRISIS WITH A GOLDEN LINING FOR AUSTRALIA

As the world grapples with an unprecedented cocoa shortage, a new player is emerging on the global stage: Australian-grown cocoa.

While traditionally seen as a niche, premium product with limited reach, cocoa from Far North Queensland is now enjoying a surge in demand.

Driven by skyrocketing prices, ethical concerns surrounding deforestation, and new European Union regulations, Australian cocoa is being thrust into the spotlight — offering both a challenge and an opportunity for local producers.

At the heart of this shift is Chris Jahnke, a passionate cocoa grower and chocolate maker in Mission Beach, Queensland, whose modest farm has transformed into a hot commodity hub.

As global supply struggles, boutique chocolate makers and international buyers are turning to Australia’s clean and traceable supply chain for their cocoa needs.

THE GLOBAL COCOA SHORTAGE: WHAT’S CAUSING THE CRUNCH?

Cocoa, the fundamental ingredient in chocolate, is currently in short supply across the globe.

Two of the world’s largest producers, Ivory Coast and Ghana, have experienced drastic drops in output due to:

• Climate-related disruptions (floods, droughts)
• Diseases affecting cocoa trees
• Aging plantations and low yields
• Labour shortages and economic instability

As a result, the price of cocoa skyrocketed to US$17,000 per tonne by the end of 2023, a stark contrast to the historical average of US$4,600 per tonne, according to Rabobank agricultural analyst Paul Joules.

These soaring prices have had a direct impact on chocolate consumers around the world, making even the most basic chocolate bars considerably more expensive.

WHY AUSTRALIAN COCOA IS SUDDENLY IN DEMAND

Though typically priced higher than mass-imported cocoa, Australian cocoa has become more attractive as global prices level the playing field.

I’ve actually got a waiting list of people wanting to buy Australian cocoa beans, says Jahnke.

We just don’t have enough to supply them.

This surge in interest is not limited to domestic buyers. International boutique chocolate makers from Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia are now actively seeking ethically sourced Australian beans for their high-end products.

THE RISE OF BOUTIQUE BEAN-TO-BAR CHOCOLATE MAKERS

One of the strongest forces behind this cocoa renaissance is the global boom in bean-to-bar craft chocolate.

Consumers, particularly in premium markets, are demanding more transparency, sustainability, and uniqueness in the products they buy.

Australia’s small-scale growers and chocolate artisans are well positioned to deliver just that. Their offerings are:

• Handcrafted in small batches
• Made from single-origin beans
• Free from deforestation-linked practices

I get calls probably at least once a week from boutique chocolate makers wanting to buy Australian beans,” Jahnke adds. “And they’re not just from Australia anymore.

THE POWER OF PLACE: FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND’S CLIMATE ADVANTAGE

Located approximately 130 kilometers south of Cairns, the tropical climate of Mission Beach offers an ideal environment for cocoa cultivation. Consistent rainfall, warm temperatures, and fertile soil contribute to the high quality of beans grown in the region.

Combined with sustainable farming practices, these environmental conditions allow growers like Jahnke to produce cocoa that not only meets premium flavor profiles but also aligns with growing environmental expectations.

We may still be producing just a few thousand tonnes in total, but it’s enough to make an impact on the premium market globally, Jahnke believes.

EU DEFORESTATION RULES: A GAME CHANGER FOR THE INDUSTRY

In 2025, the European Union is enacting new trade policies that will penalize commodities linked to deforestation. This includes:

• Cattle
• Palm oil
• Coffee
• Soy
• Rubber
• Cocoa
• Wood products

Any commodity found to be grown on land deforested after 2020 will be barred from importation into the EU bloc.

🌫️ Australia’s Unique Advantage:

According to the Australian Department of Agriculture, the country has been designated as a “low-risk” source under the EU’s deforestation guidelines.

Deforestation to grow cocoa in Australia doesn’t happen. So right from the get-go, we’ve got a significant advantage in compliance, explains Jahnke.

This policy shift is expected to restructure global supply chains, giving Australian cocoa an outsized role despite its modest volume

CONSUMER BEHAVIOR AND MARKET ADAPTATION

As cocoa prices climb, consumer behavior is adapting. In Australia, consumers have shown greater willingness to pay more for ethically produced chocolate than in many other markets, such as the United States.

This trend is being mirrored in Europe, where ethical sourcing, transparency, and sustainability have become primary decision-making factors.

There’s already a bit of fear in the market, says Joules. “Depending on how it plays out, prices could continue to rise — and consumers will pay more, if they know it’s worth it.

AUSTRALIA’S IMAGE: CLEAN, GREEN AND PREMIUM

Australia’s agricultural sector has long benefited from its image as a producer of clean, green, and safe food and beverages.

This reputation is now giving an extra boost to Australian cocoa.

Key benefits of Australian-grown cocoa include:

• Zero association with illegal deforestation
• Transparent, traceable production methods
• Compliance with international environmental standards
• Premium flavor suited for luxury markets

International buyers are not just looking for cocoa — they’re looking for values-driven sourcing, and Australia delivers.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE AUSTRALIAN COCOA INDUSTRY?

Although Australia’s total cocoa production remains small compared to giants like Ivory Coast, the premium nature of the product suggests it can play a critical role in reshaping the luxury chocolate industry.

Chris Jahnke envisions significant industry growth:

• Expansion of farm acreage in tropical Queensland
• Investment in small-batch chocolate production facilities
• Collaborations with international boutique brands

Government support, market access incentives, and continued demand for ethical sourcing could help position Australian cocoa as a long-term force in the global supply chain.

CONCLUSION: A SWEET FUTURE ROOTED IN SUSTAINABILITY

In the midst of a global chocolate crisis, Australian cocoa has found its moment. While the supply shortage poses challenges for the wider industry, it has opened a golden window of opportunity for growers like Chris Jahnke and his peers.

Backed by ethical practices, environmental integrity, and a growing reputation for quality, Australia is emerging as a premium alternative in the global cocoa trade.

As new regulations reshape global trade and conscious consumers drive demand, Far North Queensland’s cocoa fields may soon be recognized not just for their beans, but for what they represent: a sustainable, forward-thinking model for the future of food production.

And for chocolate lovers around the world, that means guilt-free indulgence has never tasted so good. 🍫🌿