Venezuela is world-famous for its high-quality cacao (cocoa beans), especially fine-flavor varieties like Criollo and Trinitario, considered among the best globally for premium chocolate production. Regions like Chuao, Choroní, and Sur del Lago produce acclaimed beans with complex aromas, often sought by artisan chocolatiers (e.g., brands like Domori source directly from Venezuelan plantations).
However, production has declined sharply due to economic crisis, sanctions, land insecurity, and mismanagement under the Maduro regime. Venezuela now accounts for less than 0.1% of global cocoa output (around 20,000-25,000 tons annually in recent years, per ICCO and FAO data), down from historical peaks. The market value dropped to about $55M in 2024, with yields stagnant. It's a niche, high-value export rather than a major commodity—nothing on the scale of oil.
No recent news (as of early 2026) ties cocoa to U.S. claims or asset seizures amid the Maduro ouster and U.S. military actions. All focus remains on Venezuela's massive oil reserves (world's largest proven at ~303 billion barrels). Trump and officials emphasized restarting oil production via U.S. companies, not agricultural assets like cocoa farms.
However, production has declined sharply due to economic crisis, sanctions, land insecurity, and mismanagement under the Maduro regime. Venezuela now accounts for less than 0.1% of global cocoa output (around 20,000-25,000 tons annually in recent years, per ICCO and FAO data), down from historical peaks. The market value dropped to about $55M in 2024, with yields stagnant. It's a niche, high-value export rather than a major commodity—nothing on the scale of oil.
No recent news (as of early 2026) ties cocoa to U.S. claims or asset seizures amid the Maduro ouster and U.S. military actions. All focus remains on Venezuela's massive oil reserves (world's largest proven at ~303 billion barrels). Trump and officials emphasized restarting oil production via U.S. companies, not agricultural assets like cocoa farms.