Introduction
The Odis Moss Cacao project is situated in River Gee County, Liberia, an area known for its fertile soils and favorable climate for cacao cultivation. The project currently encompasses 200 hectares of cultivated land, forming the foundation for a larger-scale agro-industrial venture. In the first, second and third year operations will expand by an additional 100 hectares per year, focusing on the establishment of high-yield hybrid cacao trees through modern, sustainable agricultural practices.
In the early 20th century, cacao trees began to be planted in Liberia, especially in the fertile regions of River Gee, Grand Kru, and Sinoe counties. The tropical climate and rich soils were ideal, and by mid-century, cacao had become a modest but promising cash crop. Smallholder farmers grew cacao alongside rice, cassava, and other subsistence crops, dreaming of sending their beans to international chocolate markets.
The Odis Moss Cacao project is situated in River Gee County, Liberia, an area known for its fertile soils and favorable climate for cacao cultivation. The project currently encompasses 200 hectares of cultivated land, forming the foundation for a larger-scale agro-industrial venture. In the first, second and third year operations will expand by an additional 100 hectares per year, focusing on the establishment of high-yield hybrid cacao trees through modern, sustainable agricultural practices.
In the early 20th century, cacao trees began to be planted in Liberia, especially in the fertile regions of River Gee, Grand Kru, and Sinoe counties. The tropical climate and rich soils were ideal, and by mid-century, cacao had become a modest but promising cash crop. Smallholder farmers grew cacao alongside rice, cassava, and other subsistence crops, dreaming of sending their beans to international chocolate markets.
The Odis Moss Cacao Company
The project begins with a 200-hectare existing cacao farm, already planted and expected to produce its first commercial harvest in 2026. This phase serves as the pilot and revenue-generating foundation for the larger plantation. The first year operational phase (2026) provides immediate cash flow, validates production capacity, and supports the development of the larger plantation. After the first year the number of hectares will increase with 100 hectares per year up to 500 hectares. For the newly added hectares Grafted Seedlings/Clones will be planted which will start producing in the third year.
The project begins with a 200-hectare existing cacao farm, already planted and expected to produce its first commercial harvest in 2026. This phase serves as the pilot and revenue-generating foundation for the larger plantation. The first year operational phase (2026) provides immediate cash flow, validates production capacity, and supports the development of the larger plantation. After the first year the number of hectares will increase with 100 hectares per year up to 500 hectares. For the newly added hectares Grafted Seedlings/Clones will be planted which will start producing in the third year.
Harvesting
Cacao harvesting in Liberia typically takes place twice a year, with the main season running from October to January and a smaller mid-crop from April to June. Farmers monitor the pods closely, harvesting them by hand with knives or long-handled cutters once they turn deep yellow or orange, signaling full maturity. After picking, the pods are opened the same day and the fresh beans are scooped out for fermentation, a crucial step that develops the cacao’s flavor profile. Once fermented, the beans are sun-dried on raised mats or drying tables until they reach the proper moisture level, after which they are bagged and prepared for transport. This largely manual, community-based process ensures quality while supporting rural livelihoods throughout Liberia’s cocoa-growing regions.
Cacao harvesting in Liberia typically takes place twice a year, with the main season running from October to January and a smaller mid-crop from April to June. Farmers monitor the pods closely, harvesting them by hand with knives or long-handled cutters once they turn deep yellow or orange, signaling full maturity. After picking, the pods are opened the same day and the fresh beans are scooped out for fermentation, a crucial step that develops the cacao’s flavor profile. Once fermented, the beans are sun-dried on raised mats or drying tables until they reach the proper moisture level, after which they are bagged and prepared for transport. This largely manual, community-based process ensures quality while supporting rural livelihoods throughout Liberia’s cocoa-growing regions.
The Global Cacao Trade
In the global cocoa trade, off-takers come in several distinct types. Each has different motivations, quality expectations, and pricing structures. Here’s the full landscape:
1. Multinational Cocoa Processors (Industrial Off-Takers)
2. Specialty / Fine-Flavour Chocolate Makers (Premium Off-Takers)
3. Ethical / Sustainable Sourcing Programs
4. Traders and Export Aggregators
5. Bean-to-Bar & Craft Chocolate Producers (Micro Off-Takers)
6. Industrial Chocolate Manufacturers (End-User Off-Takers)
In the global cocoa trade, off-takers come in several distinct types. Each has different motivations, quality expectations, and pricing structures. Here’s the full landscape:
1. Multinational Cocoa Processors (Industrial Off-Takers)
2. Specialty / Fine-Flavour Chocolate Makers (Premium Off-Takers)
3. Ethical / Sustainable Sourcing Programs
4. Traders and Export Aggregators
5. Bean-to-Bar & Craft Chocolate Producers (Micro Off-Takers)
6. Industrial Chocolate Manufacturers (End-User Off-Takers)
Social Impact
The project will be developed in such a way that it aligns with the aims of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), especially by creating real opportunities for local youth and women through training, skills development, and long-term employment in both farming and processing. At the same time, we will incorporate the principles behind the REALISE Project by ensuring that vulnerable households and smallholder farmers benefit from the value chain, whether through out-grower partnerships, supply contracts, or dedicated support programs that help them strengthen or restart their own income-generating activities. This approach ensures that the farm grows commercially while delivering meaningful social impact across nearby communities.
The project will be developed in such a way that it aligns with the aims of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), especially by creating real opportunities for local youth and women through training, skills development, and long-term employment in both farming and processing. At the same time, we will incorporate the principles behind the REALISE Project by ensuring that vulnerable households and smallholder farmers benefit from the value chain, whether through out-grower partnerships, supply contracts, or dedicated support programs that help them strengthen or restart their own income-generating activities. This approach ensures that the farm grows commercially while delivering meaningful social impact across nearby communities.