The two themes are tied together beautifully this year with the announcement that the World Cocoa Foundation will host its Partnership Meeting in São Paulo at the end of March, preceded by an exhibition of modern Brazilian art at The Royal Academy of Art in London at the end of this month.
Brazil is among the world’s largest cocoa producers, with most of its production concentrated in Bahia. Cocoa cultivation was introduced to Brazil in the 18th century, rapidly becoming a key economic driver. Despite facing challenges like the devastating ‘witches’ broom’ disease in the late 20th century, the industry has since rebounded, mainly through the rise of sustainable and artisanal chocolate production.
The country may only produce 5% of the world’s cocoa today. Still, it is increasingly in the spotlight as companies, NGOs, government consortiums, and technical partners experiment with new models. It is set to become a powerhouse once again with a plan to double domestic cocoa production to 400,000 tons by 2030, which could help ease the ongoing global supply deficit.
This dynamic sector traces its roots deep into Brazil’s tropical landscapes, where cocoa farming intertwines with the vibrant traditions of the country’s indigenous peoples. A closer look at this industry reveals a unique synergy between the rich history of cocoa production and the expressive power of indigenous art, which serves as both inspiration and storytelling medium.

The “HerSHEy” Project
Four years ago, WCF member Hershey and a Platinum Sponsor of the year’s Partnership Meeting, recognised the unique synergy between art and cocoa when it launched the “HerSHEy” project, which replaced the brand’s iconic packaging with artwork created by Brazilian female artists.
It aimed to increase visibility for female artists, whose contributions are often underrepresented in the art world. By leveraging the popularity and reach of Hershey’s products, the campaign aimed to provide these artists with a large-scale platform to share their work and inspire others.
The campaign resonated strongly in Brazil, a country with a rich artistic heritage but significant gender disparities in the arts.
Contemporary trends
In early twentieth-century Brazil, artists were adapting contemporary trends, international influences and artistic traditions to create a new modern art; art informed by and celebrating its distinct, vibrant cultures, identities and landscapes.
Brazil is also emerging as a hub for innovation in sustainable cocoa production. Indigenous communities, many of whom have lived in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest regions for centuries, have long cultivated cocoa as part of their subsistence farming. For them, cocoa is not merely an economic commodity but a cultural artifact, often tied to traditional rituals and community gatherings.






Examples of Brazil's indigineous art scene
Indigenous art: A canvas of cultural identity
Brazil’s indigenous art is as diverse as its flora and fauna, with each community boasting its own unique styles and techniques. From the intricate beadwork of the Kayapó to the vibrant body painting of the Yawanawá, Indigenous art is deeply symbolic, representing connections to nature, spirituality, and community life.
Cocoa farming, with its roots in the natural landscapes that indigenous peoples have long stewarded, is a common theme in their art. Patterns in ceramics, woven baskets, and textiles often depict the cocoa plant and its pods, reflecting its importance to their livelihood and cultural identity.
Challenges and opportunities
While the collaboration between Brazil’s cocoa industry and indigenous art has fostered cultural appreciation and economic growth, challenges remain. Indigenous artists often face the risk of cultural appropriation and exploitation in commercial ventures. Ensuring that partnerships are equitable and that profits benefit local communities is crucial.
Moreover, the expansion of agricultural sometimes threatens indigenous lands. Striking a balance between industrial growth and preserving indigenous territories is an ongoing challenge for policymakers and industry leaders and will be discussed at the Partnership Meeting.
Looking forward: a harmonious future
The relationship between Brazil’s cocoa industry and indigenous art exemplifies the potential of cultural and economic synergy. By embracing indigenous knowledge and artistry, the cocoa industry not only enriches its products but also contributes to the preservation of Brazil’s diverse heritage.
As the global demand for ethically produced chocolate grows, Brazil is uniquely positioned to lead the way, offering high—quality cocoa and a story told through the vibrant colours, patterns, and symbols of its indigenous art. This fusion of agriculture and artistry underscores the profound interconnectedness of culture, economy, and nature in shaping Brazil’s future.

This year’s WCF Partnership Meeting will go beyond the conference hall and into the cocoa farm to promote cross-geographic knowledge sharing.
WCF and local partners are organising a 4-day field trip to Bahia, on the edge of the Atlantic Forest, and one of the country’s main growing areas. Attendees will be able to experience the cocoa recovery first-hand and witness the excitement surrounding Brazil’s sustainable comeback. Visits will include both smallholder and larger farms adopting a variety of production techniques and systems, in addition to research centers and other interesting sights of artistic and cultural merit.
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- Official Media Partner - World Cocoa Foundation Partnership Meeting in São Paulo, Brazil, 19-20 March 2025.
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- WCFPM25: São Paulo, Brazil on 19 – 20 March, Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo Hotel. Registration is now open. For the full agenda and event details, visit the WCF website.
- Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism, a major new exhibition at the Royal Academy, will feature over 130 works from the 1910s to the 1970s by 10 important Brazilian artists and will capture the diversity of Brazilian art at this time.
- If you are attending the WCF Partnership Meeting in São Paulo and have some downtime, it boasts a vibrant art scene with numerous galleries dedicated to modern and contemporary Brazilian art, check out these seven recommendations.
Sao Paulo Museum of Modern Art