Cocoa · Class definition

Forastero vs Criollo FORASTERO-VS-CRIOLLO

Side-by-side comparison of two cocoa classes — protein bands, deliverable specs, end-use, and verified supplier counts.

▸ 945 suppliers · FORASTERO▸ 945 suppliers · CRIOLLO
Side-by-side spec
FORASTERO

Forastero

Origin Amazon basin; spread to West Africa. Subgroups: Amelonado (West Africa), Nacional (Ecuador, classed as fine flavor exception)

Moisture—
End-use categorybulk industrial chocolate
HS code1801.00.00
CRIOLLO

Criollo

Mesoamerican origin; ancient Mayan/Aztec cultivar. Vulnerable to disease, low yield, increasingly rare in pure form. Premium $200-2,000/MT over bulk.

Moisture—
End-use categoryultra-premium single-origin chocolate
HS code1801.00.00
Where they diverge
AttributeFORASTEROCRIOLLO
End-use categorybulk industrial chocolateultra-premium single-origin chocolate

These rows are where a buyer's decision actually lives. Match the row that drives your end-use, and the rest of the cocoa grade falls into place.

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