Before understanding why transporting cocoa in container liners is an effective and safe solution, let’s look at the difference between cacao and cocoa – a subject that attracts varying opinions.
First off, cacao beans are technically cacao seeds from the cacao tree, also known as Theobroma cacao. Once harvested, the seeds undergo processing which generally entails fermentation (for developing aroma and flavour), drying, roasting (if desired), crushing (to separate outer hulls from cacao nibs) and finally grounding (which produces a non-alcoholic liquor used to make chocolate products). 
Before processing can start, however, the seeds need to travel a long way. Cocoa seeds are produced in tropical zones around the Equator, where climate conditions are well suited for growing cocoa trees. About 70% of the world’s cocoa beans come from four West African countries: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. The Ivory Coast and Ghana are by far the two largest producers of cocoa, accounting for more than 50 percent of the world’s cocoa.1 Other cocoa producing countries include Indonesia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Brazil, Ecuador, Columbia and Uganda. In 2020, the leading cocoa bean importers worldwide were the Netherlands, USA, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Canada, Belgium and Switzerland.
Since the seeds are amongst the most sensitive types of perishable cargo, transportation is tricky. We have unpacked this by answering the following three questions:
- What are the pitfalls of transporting cocoa in bulk – loose or bagged?
- How does container liners keep cacao/cocoa safe during transit?
- What is the solution for effective and safe transport?
What are the pitfalls of transporting cocoa in bulk – loose or bagged?
For starters, a fully loaded cacao/cocoa container has a very high value which means when damage, loss or waste occurs it is significant.
Secondly, cacao/cocoa is also trickier to transport than other commodities. In fact, raw cacao is extremely sensitive when it comes to unfavourable external factors – whether it be snow, rain, dampness or higher relative humidity. Its ability to absorb moisture – that can lead to mould and rot – is alarming and it also absorbs odours.
Furthermore, it is prone to self-digestion (the destruction of a cell through the action of its own enzymes) and self-heating. A tricky commodity indeed.
How do container liners keep cacao seeds and cocoa products safe during transit?
It is very clear that moisture exposure is a real concern when transporting cacao seeds and cocoa products, whether that be as a result of temperature fluctuations or direct exposure.
Where desiccants and paper sheeting solutions are usually first considered, container liner bags (shipping liners) can help protect, secure and stabilise products like these that need to be transported.
What is the solution for effective and safe transport?
In addition to a range of desiccants and paper sheet products, JB Anderson offers two cocoa liner solutions specifically designed to protect and preserve the quality of cocoa beans that are shipped in containers in bulk.
✔️ BAGGED LINER SOLUTION
✔️ BULK LOADING LINER SOLUTION
We cater to the following containers:
- 20ft containers
- 40ft GP containers
- 40ft HC containers
After stuffing, the liner is collapsed and the excess air is removed to create a vacuum which reduces the risk of condensation damage to the cargo.
Features & Benefits of Our Cocoa Liner Solutions
- Ultra-fast installation (15 minutes)
- Liners are fitted which means no excess material
- Hanging clips are pre-fitted from the factory and no threading is required
- Tape on the liner floor secures it inside the container
- A sleeve prevents the liner from sliding out during offloading
- Hermetic seal prevents air and moisture from entering the liner
- Liner stays secure / fixed to the container for trouble-free emptying by tipping
- A double seal / zipper ensures that the liner is well secured
- The liner’s barrier film protects and preserves the product
- Liners prevent potential contamination
- Accessories are supplied with liners
- Liners are recyclable
Not only do our liners protect cacao beans and bulk cocoa products, but they are also optimised and easy to work with, ensuring an overall effective, safer process.
Get in touch to discuss our cocoa liner, as well as our desiccant and paper sheet solutions for your cocoa product or business needs.
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