Audio By Carbonatix
Cocoa’s shortage is set to deepen further this season amid persistent production challenges from poor weather and disease.
Demand will exceed production by 462,000 metric tons, the International Cocoa Organization said in its third estimate for the current year that started in October. That figure is 5.2% more than the organization’s May forecast of a 439,000-ton deficit, which itself was a larger shortfall than its original outlook in February.
Global supply remains low as a result of “adverse weather conditions, aged trees, pests and diseases that affected production in major cocoa areas during the season under review,” the ICCO said in a Friday report.
Production for the season is seen at 4.33 million tons, 2.9% below ICCO’s earlier estimate, while grindings are expected to be 2.1% lower at 4.75 million tons.
New York futures are up around 80% this year as poor harvests in West Africa curbed supplies, though prices have pared back from record highs. The region’s cocoa industry is still grappling with lasting issues like crop disease, and new trees take at least three years to reach fruit-bearing maturity. That’s constraining how quickly production can ramp up to ease the shortage.
Latest Stories
-
Government procures over 2,000 transformers as Ghana’s electricity access hits 89.13% – Energy Minister
24 minutes -
UTAG-UG threatens strike on October 19 over unpaid allowance
32 minutes -
Let The Constitution direct Chieftaincy to deliver “All Development Is Local”
2 hours -
John Jinapor outlines renewable energy, nuclear power priorities for 2027
2 hours -
Ghana explores centre of excellence for hearing, communication and cochlear implant care
3 hours -
Schizophrenia-related disorders lead mental health cases recorded in Ghana
3 hours -
Dutch authorities enlist Ghana in hunt for fugitive drug lord Bolle Jos
4 hours -
Ghana housing finance conference adopts communiqué to improve affordable housing access
8 hours -
Special Initiatives Minister urges Wa Technical Institute to enrol more girls as EU-backed solar training lab opens
9 hours -
In the matter of my first year at the Bar
9 hours -
ActionAid Ghana calls for an end to child marriage, greater investment in girls’ rights
9 hours -
Newsfile to tackle World Cup visa scandal, beach demolitions, education strikes, BRICS bid
9 hours -
UK-Ghana Trade & Investment Summit: Trade Resource Centre to help businesses maximise UK-Ghana trade opportunities
10 hours -
Embassy of Denmark celebrates World Maritime Day
10 hours -
Linking LEAP to productive inclusion could cut extreme poverty by 2030 – UNICEF
11 hours