Added-value biomolecules’ production from cocoa pod husks: A review

[Display omitted] •CPH as an important lignocellulosic material for different economic applications.•High recalcitrant CPH’s composition requires pretreatment for exploitation.•CPH is can be used in the production of different medium to high-value biomolecules.•Increasing number of filed patents and development of innovative processes with CPH.•CPH valorization giving social and economic support to cocoa producers. Cocoa beans are produced through on-farm processing where residual biomass is discarded, including cocoa pod husks (CPH), cocoa bean shells and cocoa sweatings. CPH represents about 80% of these residues that are generated during the initial cocoa bean processing steps and their disposal occupies large areas, causing social and environmental concerns. In the last decades, the lignocellulosic composition of CPH has attracted the attention of the scientific and productive sector. Recently, some studies have reported the use of CPH in the production of medium to high value-added molecules, with potential applications in food and feed, agriculture, bioenergy, and other segments. This review presents biotechnological approaches and processes for the exploitation of CPH, including pre-treatment methods for the production of different biomolecules. Great perspectives and innovations were found concerning CPH exploitation and valorisation, but still more efforts are needed to valorise this potential feedstock and give support to producers in-development countries.