Pectate lyase production in Bacillus from fermenting cocoa is insensitive to carbon source variation. The most common carbon and pectin catabolism regulators CcpA and KdgR do not control pel gene in isolated Bacillus. Pel gene was found to be under the control of DegU regulator that activate Pel production in Bacillus studied. During cocoa fermentation DegU probably activates pectin catabolism and thus plays a key role in the pulp degradation.