Cacao trees thrive in hot and humid climates and grow in almost every tropical region along the equator. More cacao beans are exported from West Africa than anywhere else. Other major producers are South America, Central America and South East Asia. Just like grapes, the taste of cacao beans can vary depending on what other plants grow nearby. For instance, vanilla and pineapple growing next to a cacao tree will influence the flavor of the cacao bean to become more sweet and fruity.