Cocoa production, marketing and positioning. Case of small producers in the zone of influence of the canton of Quevedo

Abstract

Cocoa and its derivatives are currently important products for commercialization, with wide demand in the international market. This fact has stimulated an increase in its production, involving the participation of small producers, who represent an important engine within the sector. The purpose of this work is to provide a current overview of the process of production and marketing of cocoa worldwide, nationally, but mainly framed in the area of influence of the canton of Quevedo, also determining the importance that today represents the positioning of the product in the market, considering the competition and the need to improve the quality of it. For the development of the research, a qualitative approach was basically adopted, which, oriented to the descriptive field, allows offering a broad perspective on the chosen topic through the bibliographic review of the existing information. Among the main findings was determined the fact of not having perceived the increase in cocoa production in the canton Quevedo compared to previous years, influenced by the current conditions of the plantations; the main drawbacks that cocoa producers have had in the area are the lack of price control of inputs; lack of irrigation systems in summer; crop damage by pests; however, there are mechanisms today to advise, teach standards, production techniques, etc.. However, there are mechanisms in place today to advise producers, teach standards, production techniques, etc., in an attempt to optimize efficiency and product quality, which will be a challenge in the future.