Fairtrade cocoa farmers and cooperatives are set to benefit from increased premiums and a new safety net as they navigate the ‘perfect storm’ of challenges, including climate change, volatile markets, and rising costs, according to an announcement made today by Fairtrade International.
The new Fairtrade Minimum Price increases the safety net by 45% dependent on country of production, with additional hikes in the Fairtrade Premium paid to farmers and the differential to organic producers.
The new payments, which will go into effect in 2026, come after higher minimum prices for most cocoa-producing countries were announced earlier this year. Special arrangements were also put in place for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, where prices are regulated by the government.
Cocoa prices crashed from a high of around $12,000 per tonne in 2024 to current levels less than $6,000 a tonne. Even when prices rise, cocoa farmers don’t always benefit because gains can be wiped out by extreme weather, crop disease, and inflation.
There is an additional 50% uplift in the organic differential for Fairtrade organic cocoa producers who face higher costs from compliance with forthcoming EU organic farming regulations. “We hope that the new, higher organic differential will act as an incentive for those farmers considering a switch to conventional cocoa to remain organic and to invest more in organic production,” says Johanna Schmidt, Cocoa Manager at Fairtrade International.
The new Fairtrade cocoa pricing package at a glance:
- The Fairtrade Minimum Price for conventional cocoa increases by 45% to US$3,500 per tonne in Ghana, or €3,200 in Côte d’Ivoire from 1 October 2026, to bring them in line with the rest of the world.
- The Fairtrade Premium for all countries increases by 15% to US$275 per tonne, and by 13% to €250, payable in Côte d’Ivoire. The Premium comes into effect on 1 October 2026 in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, and from 11 June 2026 in all other countries.
- The Fairtrade Organic Differential increases by 50% to US$450 per tonne, or €410 in Côte d’Ivoire, payable from 1 October 2026 in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, and from 11 June 2026 in all other countries.
- In Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, from 1 October 2026, 40% of the Fairtrade Premium must be allocated as cash payments to cooperative members, while a minimum 10% must be invested in the co-op itself, 10% in farm services and 10% in community projects.
“Despite relatively high global cocoa prices, the future for Fairtrade cocoa farmers has never been less certain,” says Schmidt. “Fairtrade can’t do this alone – we call on every part of the cocoa industry to work with us to minimise market volatility and create a long-term, sustainable future for both conventional and organic cocoa farmers who have been exploited for far too long. Shoppers can also play their part by sending a powerful message when they choose to buy Fairtrade chocolate.”
