CCN-51 Cocoa Research (2008–2025): Output, thematic evolution, and emerging trends

The CCN-51 cocoa clone, dominant in Latin American production, requires a scientometric analysis to understand the evolution of research into this topic and address critical challenges such as heavy metal contamination and bean quality standardization. This study applied a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to 94 peer-reviewed documents (2008–2025) from the Scopus database using R-Bibliometrix. A steady annual growth (17.71%) was identified, with strong international collaboration, Brazil and Ecuador being the main contributors. Our thematic analysis revealed a clear evolution in the areas of study. The central themes focus on cocoa genetics, bean chemical composition, and post-harvest fermentation processes. Yet while core research remains focused on these traditional areas, themes related to heavy metal management, specifically cadmium, have gained significant attention, representing a critical focus in the safety and sustainability of CCN-51 production. Although this topic accounts for 34% of post-2018 literature, its annual growth rate outperforms established agronomic themes, positioning it as a priority area for food safety standards. Furthermore, the analysis identifies electrokinetic remediation as a potential emerging technique, currently in an exploratory stage, for mitigating metal contamination. Finally, citation spectroscopy pointed to a critical knowledge gap in the standardization of sustainable production systems and food safety standards. This bibliometric analysis provides a roadmap for research, encouraging the prioritization of quality and food safety challenges regarding CCN-51 cocoa, especially the mitigation of cadmium contamination, a topic of high global relevance for the food industry.