Current and future status (description, current use, forecast of future needs, suppliers, prices, terms, annual expenses, mode of transport, current contracts)DESCRIPTIONThe bean cocoa (cocoa bean) is a commodity derived from the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao – food of the gods), an evergreen tree that begins to bear fruit at the age of 4-5 years. The tree can grow to around 50 feet in the wild, although plantation cocoa trees are between 15 and 25 feet tall as they are typically grown under a canopy of taller trees, making harvesting easier in addition to protect them from strong winds. Of the thousands of small pink or white flowers that grow on a single tree, less than 10% develop into ripe fruit. Cocoa pods grow directly from the trunk and main branches of trees. A cocoa pod will begin to ripen 5 to 6 months after flowering. The cocoa fruit is shaped similar to an elongated football and can grow up to 11 inches long and 5 inches wide. The average weight of a ripe cocoa pod is just under 1 pound and its color can vary from yellow, green to dark brown. Once a cocoa tree has reached maturity, it is capable of producing 20 pods in a year, with each pod containing 20 to 60 beans surrounded by a white pulp called mucilage. Each tree is capable of producing enough beans to make nearly 2.5 pounds of chocolate per year. The growing season is continuous – they mature throughout the year and speak of months and seasons.*COCOA VARIETIES There are three main groups of cocoa beans:CriolloCriollo produces the highest quality and is described as having exceptional flavor and aroma, however, it happens to be the most expensive. ForasteroForastero is the most commonly grown paper medium......physical pressing. The liquor is pumped into large hydraulic presses which apply approximately 6,000 pounds per square inch to the liquor. The intense pressure expels the cocoa butter, which is removed through filters. Cocoa butter contains no aroma or flavor. Cocoa butter is used to make chocolate. Cocoa butter is used in cosmetic products such as makeup and soaps. The pressed cake left after three-quarters of the cocoa butter has been removed can be cooled, pulverized and sifted into natural cocoa powder. Coca powder is used to make chocolate milk, chocolate syrup, ice cream, cakes, etc., drinks and pastries. Cocoa powder is used in a variety of chocolate-flavored foods and drinks. There are two types of cocoa powder: natural and pressed in the Netherlands. Dutch press has a milder flavor achieved by changing the pH and making the cocoa powder less acidic and more basic..