A man surfing

Beyond the Bean: Become One of the Architects Shaping Cocoa Processing in Ivory Coast.

person holding brown and black seeds
person holding brown and black seeds

Welcome to
Cocoa Development
Consulting (CDC)

The school

Boost your career with Ivory Coast’s first training center dedicated to excellence in cocoa industry professions.

Gain hands-on experience alongside experts from global industry leaders and master every link in the value chain, from sourcing to maritime logistics.

We turn your potential into practical expertise, preparing you for the most demanding roles in the cocoa industry.

Our DNA

Ivory Coast Excellence: The country’s first training center dedicated to developing top talent for the cocoa industry.

Expert Mentorship: Hands-on learning with leaders from multinational companies for real-world industry immersion.

Operational Mastery: Comprehensive expertise across the entire value chain, from sourcing to logistics, for immediate job readiness.

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Training modules

Workers working in a cocoa processing factory

Our programs

Master Cocoa Engineering.

From gaining an in-depth understanding of Coffee and Cocoa Council (C.C.C.) regulations to developing industrial business plans, our training programs give you the tools you need to succeed.

Extremely close-up view of cocoa pods
Cocoa sourcing management

Master sustainable sourcing by learning how to build high-performing cooperative networks and secure your cocoa bean purchases in line with the highest international standards.

Learn more

Extremely close-up view of cocoa pods
Cocoa sourcing management

Master sustainable sourcing by learning how to build high-performing cooperative networks and secure your cocoa bean purchases in line with the highest international standards.

Learn more

Cocoa beans inside the drum of a roaster
Cocoa Processing Engineering

Master cocoa processing engineering! Learn how to operate your facilities and ensure the highest food safety standards, from grinding to chocolate production, with expert guidance from our dedicated instructors.

Learn more

Cocoa beans inside the drum of a roaster
Cocoa Processing Engineering

Master cocoa processing engineering! Learn how to operate your facilities and ensure the highest food safety standards, from grinding to chocolate production, with expert guidance from our dedicated instructors.

Learn more

Data represented by a chart
Profitability Management for a Cocoa Processing Facility

Increase the profitability of your processing facility! Master futures markets, logistics flows, and performance metrics to manage your operations with strategic precision.

Learn more

Data represented by a chart
Profitability Management for a Cocoa Processing Facility

Increase the profitability of your processing facility! Master futures markets, logistics flows, and performance metrics to manage your operations with strategic precision.

Learn more

A black man and a black woman collaborating on a professional project
Entrepreneurship and Artisanal Production

Turn your entrepreneurial ambitions into reality! From developing your business plan to managing an industrial or artisanal production facility, we guide you in transforming your project into a sustainable and profitable venture.

Learn more

A black man and a black woman collaborating on a professional project
Entrepreneurship and Artisanal Production

Turn your entrepreneurial ambitions into reality! From developing your business plan to managing an industrial or artisanal production facility, we guide you in transforming your project into a sustainable and profitable venture.

Learn more

An artisan chocolatier in his workshop
An artisan chocolatier in his workshop
An artisan chocolatier in his workshop

Testimonies

A word from the director

At CDC, we don’t just train professionals; we prepare the future leaders who will drive Ivory Coast’s cocoa industry forward.

Mr Benjamin BESSI

INSA Engineer & Former Managing Director of Barry-Callebaut CIV and CÉMOI CIV

Cocoa processing machine in a factory
Cocoa processing machine in a factory
Cocoa processing machine in a factory

At the Heart of CDC

Industry News

Events, new programs, and expert insights: all the essential information for industry professionals.

Two colleagues are discussing a professional project

Become One of the Faces of Excellence: CDC Is Recruiting Its Next Lead Trainers.

A unique career-building opportunity to become a recognized expert in the cocoa industry.

Learn more

Two colleagues are discussing a professional project

Become One of the Faces of Excellence: CDC Is Recruiting Its Next Lead Trainers.

A unique career-building opportunity to become a recognized expert in the cocoa industry.

Learn more

Extremely close-up view of cocoa pods

CDC is expanding its Network: Cocoa Industry Excellence Comes to LinkedIn and Facebook.

Follow the latest developments in industrial processing and get real-time updates from our experts.

Learn more

Extremely close-up view of cocoa pods

CDC is expanding its Network: Cocoa Industry Excellence Comes to LinkedIn and Facebook.

Follow the latest developments in industrial processing and get real-time updates from our experts.

Learn more

Process

Your Path to Expertise

A structured learning journey designed to build practical skills and connect you with key industry players.

01

Fundamentals & Key Challenges

Explore the realities of the cocoa value chain, from cultivation techniques to new international sustainability regulations.

01

Fundamentals & Key Challenges

Explore the realities of the cocoa value chain, from cultivation techniques to new international sustainability regulations.

02

Certified Expertise

Learn from specialized instructors who are trained and mentored by our lead experts to ensure full mastery of industry standards.

02

Certified Expertise

Learn from specialized instructors who are trained and mentored by our lead experts to ensure full mastery of industry standards.

03

Hands-On Workshops

Apply your knowledge to real-world cases and turn theory into practical, field-ready skills.

03

Hands-On Workshops

Apply your knowledge to real-world cases and turn theory into practical, field-ready skills.

04

Processing Engineering & Quality

Master the technical processing operations and food safety standards essential to the industry.

05

Strategic Management

Learn how to maximize operational profitability by mastering logistics and financial flows in the cocoa market.

05

Strategic Management

Learn how to maximize operational profitability by mastering logistics and financial flows in the cocoa market.

06

Industry Networking

Benefit from exclusive introductions within our partner network to expand your professional connections.

Cocoa processing machine in a factory
Une machine dans une usine de transformation du cacao
Cocoa processing machine in a factory

Immersion

Master the Cocoa Value Chain

Explore the industrial and agricultural environment where we develop your practical, operational expertise.

Cocoa powders and chocolate bars
Cocoa powders and chocolate bars
Bags of cocoa beans stored in a warehouse
Bags of cocoa beans stored in a warehouse

FAQs

Any questions?

Everything you need to know to prepare for your professional development journey with CDC.

Who are your training programs designed for?

Do I need to already work in the cocoa industry to join CDC?

Are the courses offered only in person?

Do you issue a certificate upon completion of the training program?

How does CDC support participants in entering the workforce?

A pile of cocoa pods
A pile of cocoa pods