Snails market in Côte d'Ivoire

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the development of snail farming (heliciculture) as a profitable activity, supported by the National Agency for Rural Development (ANADER), helped increase domestic snail production in Côte d'Ivoire. This led to a rise in output from 286 t in 2018 to 298 t in 2020. However, the total domestic market volume declined from 279 t to 266 t over the same period, as a growing share of production was directed toward export, which expanded from 8 t to 31 t.

After 2020, production continued to grow, reaching 309 t by 2023. The domestic market volume dropped sharply to 208 t in 2021 when exports peaked at 88 t, but then recovered to 255 t in 2023 as export volumes moderated.

In 2024, an official visit by the Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources to a snail production farm and the promotion of integrated farms like L'Escargotière du Bélier highlighted continued state interest and sustainable production methods within the sector.

Production snails in Côte d'Ivoire

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Côte d'Ivoire ranked 4th globally in snail production.

Top producers of snails, 2017-2020

World map of production of snails, 2017-2020

Côte d'Ivoire's snail production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 297.5 tonnes of snails, which is 2.6% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 2.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The lowest production was recorded in 2018 at 286.0 tonnes, with the largest decline of 1.6% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports snails from Côte d'Ivoire

Exports in kind, kg

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 267 kg, while the maximum reached 31 411 kg in 2020, representing a 3.8-fold difference. In 2020, Côte d'Ivoire exported 31 411 kg of snails, marking a year-on-year improvement of 104.7%. The largest decline of 58.7% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the dominant export destination for snails in kind, accounting for 83.3% of total flows, with the remainder fragmented across other markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

Côte d'Ivoire's snail export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 51 044 US dollars, indicating a steep increase of 82.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports grew by 440.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 75.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020, $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in value terms was strongly focused on the United States, which accounted for 81.0% of total flows, with other partners making up the remaining volume.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020

Imports snails to Côte d'Ivoire

Imports in kind, kg

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 49-fold difference between these years. In 2019, Côte d'Ivoire's volume of snail imports stood at 306 kg, down by 72.8% compared to 2018. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 124 kg, with the largest increase of 4,787.0% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, France and Mali constituted the core of snail imports in kind to Côte d'Ivoire, together accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 13-fold amplitude between these years. In 2019, Côte d'Ivoire imported 2 609 US dollars worth of snails, marking a drop of 70.4% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 824 US dollars, with the largest increase of 1,203.0% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France remained the almost exclusive supplier of snails to Côte d'Ivoire in value terms, with a share of 98.9% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020