Grade 1 Cocoa Beans from Nigeria, Fully Fermented
Nigerian cocoa is recognized for its distinctive flavour, rich aroma, and superior butter content. Amedu Distribution Limited sources Grade 1 export beans from farms in Ondo, Cross River, Osun, and Ekiti, with full fermentation and drying documentation available per lot.
Quality Specifications
| Grade | Grade 1, premium export |
| Moisture Content | 7 to 8% max |
| Fat Content | 54 to 58%, high butter content |
| Fermentation | Fully fermented for 5 to 7 days, plump dark purple cotyledons |
| Bean Size | Large, low bean count per 100 g |
| Defectives | Less than 3% mouldy, less than 3% insect damaged, less than 3% flat beans |
| Foreign Matter | 1% max |
| Packaging | Jute bags or as specified |
| Incoterms | FOB Lagos, others available |
Nutritional Profile per 100 g
| Energy | About 228 kcal |
| Fat (Cocoa Butter) | 54 to 58 g |
| Protein | About 19 g |
| Theobromine | 1,200 to 1,800 mg |
| Flavanols | High, variety dependent |
| Magnesium | About 230 mg |
| Iron | About 3.6 mg |
Traceability
Sourced from cooperative registered farmers in Ondo and Cross River, Nigeria's top producing states. Each shipment is accompanied by a Combined Certificate of Value and Origin, Clean Certificate of Inspection, Single Goods Declaration, and NAQS phytosanitary certificate.
Certifications and Compliance
Pricing Factors
Cocoa pricing tracks the ICE terminal market as a base reference, adjusted for grade, fermentation quality, bean count per 100 g, and moisture. MOQ, chosen Incoterm, and peak versus mid-crop harvest timing (October to March main crop, April to September mid-crop) also affect the quoted price.
Common Inquiries
What is the minimum order quantity for cocoa beans?
MOQ is typically one 20 ft container, approximately 25 metric tonnes in jute bags, with consolidated LCL options for smaller trial orders.
How long does it take to ship an order?
Lead time is generally 3 to 5 weeks from confirmed order, allowing for aggregation, fermentation verification, and pre-shipment inspection.
What payment terms are available?
Letter of Credit at sight and telegraphic transfer in advance are standard, with negotiable terms for repeat buyers.
How is the cocoa packaged?
Standard jute bags of 62.5 kg or 64 kg net weight, in line with common trade practice, or as specified by the buyer.
What documentation is provided per shipment?
Combined Certificate of Value and Origin, Clean Certificate of Inspection, Single Goods Declaration, NAQS phytosanitary certificate, and independent third-party inspection report.
Has Nigeria banned the export of raw cocoa beans?
No. Following statements at the 2026 Cocoa Value Addition Summit, Nigeria's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security publicly clarified that there is no export ban on raw cocoa beans. Government policy is focused on incentivizing local processing and value addition, not prohibiting raw bean exports. ADL continues to export both raw beans and processed cocoa forms (liquor, powder, butter) and will update this page if that policy position changes.
What ICE cocoa terminal price should I reference?
ADL's indicative pricing is benchmarked against the ICE cocoa futures terminal market, adjusted for grade, fermentation quality, and Incoterm. Request a quote for a live reference price against current market levels.
Other Commodities
Related Services
Logistics Management
Learn how ADL manages logistics management for cocoa beans shipments.
View Logistics Management →Buyer's Guide
Cocoa Beans: Sourcing Guide
MOQ, lead times, documentation, and the questions buyers ask most before ordering cocoa beans.
Read the Guide →