Lyla Lindsey
Cacao, the key ingredient in chocolate, is grown in tropical environments, typically within 20 degrees north and south of the equator. While cacao is grown in countries like Ecuador, Ghana, and Indonesia, it is also grown in Australia. In the mid-90s, Cadbury Australia initiated research to find the best place in Australia to grow cacao, and it was determined that Far North Queensland, bordering the Daintree Rainforest, was the ideal location. Since then, the Australian cacao industry has been developing, with farmers like Carmen in Queensland employing innovative and organic methods to grow the crop. The emergence of companies like Daintree Estates, which make chocolate from Australian-grown cacao, showcases the potential for a thriving Australian cacao industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cocoa farming in Australia | For over 20 years, farmers have taken on the challenge of growing cocoa in Far North Queensland |
| Cocoa growing conditions | Cocoa grows in tropical environments, rainforests, rural areas, and hot climates, around 20° north and south of the Equator |
| Cocoa in Australia | Grown in Far North Queensland, in the region bordering the Daintree Rainforest |
| Cocoa farming challenges | Lack of cheap labour, competing with small hold farmers from developing countries on price |
| Cocoa farming methods | Organic fertiliser, biodynamic and homeopathic methods of production, additional fertilisers like seaweed and cocoa seed ferments |
| Cocoa farming season | Picking season from April/May until December, maybe January; flowers come on through the year |
| Cocoa industry growth | The industry has shown a steady compound growth of 4.3% over the last ten years, with an estimated potential for production in Australia to grow to a value of $15-20 million by 2030 |
| Cocoa industry support | AgriFutures Australia has funded the Australian Cocoa Strategic RD&E Plan (2022-2027) to support the emerging industry |
| Cocoa consumption vs production | Discrepancy between cocoa consumption and production locations due to natural biology of cocoa trees; Australia has the potential to bridge this gap |
| Cocoa beans | Grown at Mount Edna, Mission Beach, Tropical North Queensland, and recognised as some of the finest in the world; grown from fresh beans/seeds from ripe pods |
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What You'll Learn
Cacao farming in Far North Queensland
Daintree Estates, established in 2010, is one of the prominent cocoa growers in the region. They have supplying partners who are also growers located in Far North Queensland and are shareholders of the company. Their chocolate products range from pure bars, such as the 70% Classic Dark and the 45% Rich Milk, to unique flavours like Sencha Green Tea, Salted Caramel, Espresso, and Blood Orange.
Another notable cacao farmer in the region is Carmen, who employs innovative and organic farming practices. She uses only organic fertilisers, such as seaweed and cocoa seed ferments, and avoids spraying chemicals for weed control. Carmen's farming methods focus on biodynamic and homeopathic production techniques. She starts picking cacao pods from April/May until December or even January, depending on the flower development.
Cocoa farming in Far North Queensland faces challenges such as the lack of cheap labour compared to major cocoa-producing regions like Ivory Coast and Ghana. Additionally, the region's previous use for sugarcane production has left a legacy of mercury in the soil, a remnant from its use as a fungicide. This requires careful management of soil amendments to avoid accumulating heavy metals in the cacao beans.
Despite these challenges, the cacao industry in Far North Queensland has shown promising growth. The unique combination of tourism and locally made chocolate products has contributed to its success. With Australia importing a significant amount of cocoa and cocoa preparations, there is potential for the local industry to expand and meet a portion of this demand with Australian-grown cacao.
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Government-sponsored programmes
Cacao has been grown in Australia since the 1990s, primarily in Far North Queensland, in a coastal strip between Tully and Mossman, including locations such as Mission Beach and Shanonvale. The cacao industry in Australia is relatively small and focused on producing high-quality cocoa beans for the specialty chocolate market.
The Australian government has supported several programmes to promote cacao farming in the country. In 1999, the government, along with RIRDC and Cadbury, backed feasibility studies to determine the viability of a local cocoa industry. This led to the formation of the Northern Australia Cocoa Development Alliance, a consortium that brought together the government and horticulturists from Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. The Alliance conducted research to identify the best place in Australia to grow cacao and unanimously concluded that North Queensland was the most suitable region.
The research conducted by the Northern Australia Cocoa Development Alliance was supported by a group of government departments, universities, and major chocolate producers such as Cadbury's and Haigh's. The programme, called "Producing Cocoa in Northern Australia," tested the viability of growing cacao in several tropical regions of northern Australia. Trinitario cacao plants were imported from Papua New Guinea, and while they grew relatively well, the programme was eventually abandoned due to a lack of commercial interest from chocolate makers.
The Australian government has also funded the Australian Cocoa Strategic RD&E Plan (2022-2027) through AgriFutures, offering opportunities for the emerging industry to grow. Additionally, some cacao farmers in Australia have participated in government-sponsored programmes to identify if cocoa could be grown in the country and determine the most suitable regions.
The cacao industry in Australia faces challenges such as high labour costs and limited access to markets. However, the unique flavour profiles and high quality of Australian cacao have contributed to its value in the specialty chocolate market. With increasing demand for chocolate and higher prices, there is potential for the Australian cacao industry to expand and become a significant player in the global specialty chocolate market.
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Cocoa industry growth
Cocoa is predominantly grown in the tropical climates of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In the mid-90s, Cadbury Australia wanted to explore the possibility of growing cocoa locally to secure a local supply without depending on the economic uncertainties of West African countries. In 1998, a complex research project commenced to find the best place in Australia to grow cocoa. The result was unanimous: North Queensland was deemed the best place in Australia to grow cocoa.
Cocoa is now grown in Far North Queensland, in a coastal strip between Tully and Mossman, including locations such as Mission Beach and Shanonvale. The cocoa industry in Australia is relatively small and focused on producing high-quality cocoa beans for the specialty chocolate market. Australian cocoa growers are high-cost producers and must focus on growing high-yielding and high-quality cocoa trees.
The Australian cocoa industry has shown a steady compound growth of 4.3% over the last ten years, and in 2021 it was estimated that the industry could grow to a value of $15-20 million by 2030. The industry is supported by AgriFutures Australia, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture, and the ACIAR projects funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Australian Cocoa Strategic RD&E Plan (2022-2027) outlines three key priorities for the industry: profitable cocoa-growing systems, quality and differentiated Australian-grown cocoa for premium markets, and a thriving Australian cocoa industry. The plan also includes seven strategies, including developing labour-efficient, high-yielding, and economic tree training and renewal systems, and lifting the profile, quality, and reputation of Australian-grown cocoa and cocoa products.
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Family farming
Cacao is grown in Australia, primarily in Far North Queensland, in a coastal strip between Tully and Mossman, including locations such as Mission Beach and Shanonvale (near Port Douglas). The region is known for its tropical climate, which is ideal for cacao trees, and its proximity to the Daintree Rainforest.
The cacao industry in Australia is relatively small, and farmers focus on producing high-quality cocoa beans for the specialty chocolate market. One of the challenges faced by Australian cacao farmers is the lack of cheap labour available in countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast, where most of the world's cocoa is produced. Instead, Australian growers must focus on high-yielding and high-quality cocoa trees, using environmentally friendly pest management and efficient productivity.
One example of a family involved in cacao farming in Australia is the Goodman family, who own the Daintree Estates company. Their interest in growing cocoa began when researchers visited Mossman Mill in 1999 to see if cocoa could be grown effectively in Northern Australia. The Goodman Estate was chosen as a one-hectare trial plot for its good drainage and water supply. Since then, Daintree Estates has expanded, and they now have a cocoa plantation in the Whyanbeel Valley, which has been in the Puglisi family for three generations.
Another family involved in cacao farming is Carmen and her partner Trevor, who moved to a farm in Mossman that has been in Trevor's family for generations. They were part of a government-sponsored program to identify if cocoa could be grown in Australia and have since diversified their crops to include cacao. Carmen grows her cacao using only organic fertiliser and focuses on biodynamic and homeopathic methods of production.
The Australian cacao industry has received support from various organisations, including AgriFutures Australia, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture, and ACIAR projects funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The industry is still in its infancy but has shown steady growth, and there is potential for it to expand and become a viable part of Australia's agricultural sector.
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Australian Cocoa Strategic RD&E Plan
Cocoa is a tropical crop that is typically grown within a band between 20 degrees north and south of the equator. While it is predominantly grown in countries like Ghana, Ecuador, and Indonesia, it has also been successfully cultivated in Australia, particularly in Far North Queensland. The region's tropical climate and proximity to the Daintree Rainforest provide an ideal environment for cocoa growth.
The Australian cocoa industry has been developing over the past two decades, with farmers in Far North Queensland leading the way. The unique challenge for Australia is the absence of cheap labour, which is available in West African countries like Ghana and the Ivory Coast, where more than 70% of the world's cocoa is produced. However, Australia has several advantages, including its ability to produce high-quality cocoa beans that can cater to premium, niche markets.
The Australian Cocoa Strategic RD&E Plan (2022-2027) is a five-year initiative funded by AgriFutures Australia to support the emerging cocoa industry in the country. The plan aims to address three key priorities: establishing profitable cocoa-growing systems, producing quality and differentiated Australian-grown cocoa for premium markets, and fostering a thriving Australian cocoa industry.
The first priority focuses on developing efficient and economic tree training and renewal systems to enhance labour productivity and yield. This includes exploring sustainable farming practices, such as those employed by Queensland cocoa farmer Carmen, who utilises organic fertilisers, biodynamic methods, and additional fertilisers like seaweed and cocoa seed ferments.
The second priority involves differentiating Australian-grown cocoa in the market. This entails ensuring the consistent production of high-quality cocoa beans that can compete in premium markets. This strategy is particularly important given that Australian cocoa growers cannot compete on price with small-hold farmers from developing countries.
The third priority is to foster a thriving Australian cocoa industry by encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among growers. This includes disseminating information about cocoa production and providing support to new entrants in the industry. Additionally, this priority aims to strengthen the connection between cocoa producers and chocolate consumers, leveraging the growing agritourism sector in Far North Queensland, where many farms offer tours and locally made chocolate products.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cacao can be grown in Australia, particularly in the tropical Far North Queensland region.
Far North Queensland is one of the few locations outside the 20-degree north and south band of the equator that is suited to growing cacao due to its tropical environment and rainforest.
Cacao has been grown in Australia for over 20 years, with the government-sponsored programme to identify if cacao could be grown in Australia taking place 15 years ago.
The Australian cacao industry is still in its infancy and cannot compete on price with small-hold farmers from developing countries. Instead, the industry focuses on selling high-quality cacao beans to premium, niche markets.
Some Australian cacao brands include Charley's Chocolate, Daintree Estates, and Cocoa Box.
