Ilhéus, known as the "Little Princess of the South," is a city in southern Bahia, Brazil, celebrated for its natural beauty, history, and cocoa production. With a population approaching 180,000, Ilhéus remains Bahia's leading cocoa producer, harvesting nearly nine thousand tons in 2024. The city's cocoa history began in 1746 when French colonizer Luiz Frederico Warneau introduced seeds from Pará. Cocoa cultivation expanded significantly in the 19th century, bringing prosperity to the region, and by the early 20th century, cocoa was the state's primary export, establishing Ilhéus as a global production leader.
Despite the disruption caused by the arrival of witch's broom disease in 1989, Ilhéus has shown remarkable resilience by diversifying into tourism and cultural preservation. The city successfully hosted the 16th edition of the Chocolat Festival Bahia from July 17-20, 2025, at the Ilhéus Convention Center. This event featured over 150 exhibitors and 15 chefs, attracting an estimated 80,000 visitors and generating over R$20 million in business, highlighting the enduring economic importance of the cocoa sector. In 2024, Bahia's cocoa exports surged by 119% to USD 434 million, with a total volume of 46,000 tons exported, driven by increased international cocoa prices and reduced supply from other major producers. Ilhéus also preserves its rich historical and literary heritage, with landmarks like Bar Vesúvio and the Catedral de São Sebastião serving as testaments to its past and the influence of writer Jorge Amado. The Casa de Cultura Jorge Amado continues to be a significant site for understanding the author's legacy, drawing tourists and scholars interested in Bahia's history and literary traditions.