Bulk cocoa is a class of cocoa beans. It is contrasted with flavor cocoa. They generally grow in West Africa.
Chocolate makers prioritizing bulk cocoa caused a loss of agrobiodiversity.
Bulk cocoa generally comes from Forastero-type cacao trees. Bulk cocoa is distinguished from flavor cocoa using the subjective definition of containing undesirable or poor flavor, drying or fermentation. Bulk cocoas have a strong inherent flavor. They are regulated by quality requirements, which allow manufacturers to ensure homogeneity for what they add to blends, maintaining brand flavors.
Over 95% of the world's cocoa production was classified as bulk as of 2017.
Most bulk cocoa is produced in West Africa.
Ghana produces the highest quality bulk beans, as Cadbury has maintained its reputation based off using beans from Ghana and as Ghana has retained a high degree of structural control over its cocoa industry. Cocoa in Ghana is cultivated for a consistent flavor, which is understood in European and American markets as the flavor of chocolate. This has been supported by the Ghana Cocoa Board.
Indonesia produces bulk cocoa of variable quality. Most Indonesian cocoa is unfermented, and is used as bulk filler.
Bulk beans are traded as a commodity, where distinctions are made between bulk grades in futures trading.