**Abstract**

Cocoa bean fermentation is a spontaneous process driven by an ordered microbial succession of a wide range of yeasts, lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria, some aerobic sporeforming bacteria and various species of filamentous fungi. The process of cocoa fermentation is a very important step for developing chocolate flavor precursors which are attributable to the metabolism of succession microbial. The microbial ecology of cocoa has been studied in much of the world. In Venezuela, studies have been carried out with Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario cocoa, fermented under various conditions, the results obtained coinciding with the reported scientific information. Fermentation must be associated with the type of cocoa available, carried out knowing the final processing and derivative (paste, butter, powder). The results shown in this chapter correspond to investigations carried out with cocoa from three locations in Venezuela. The quantification, identification, isolation, functionality of the most representative microbiota involved in the fermentation of these grains was sought. This to give possible answers to the fermentation times and improvement of the commercial quality. Likewise, generate greater interest on the part of the producers in carrying out the fermentation.

**Keywords:** cocoa beans, fermentation, microbial ecology
