In the Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, unsold cocoa beans are piling up in warehouses as global prices slump. Cocoa prices have fallen nearly 70 percent since last year and are down more than 50 percent from record highs in late 2024, driven by improved harvest forecasts and weaker demand.


Cocoa Crisis Deepens in Ivory Coast

Ghana’s cocoa sector is in crisis, farmers are unpaid for months of deliveries, global cocoa futures have plunged, and the government is now weighing an overhaul of its domestic pricing system to align with volatile markets.


Ghana Cocoa Crisis: Farmers Unpaid Months After Delivering Cocoa Beans 

Ghana Cocoa Crisis Worsens Amid Price Slump

After a historic rally last year, cocoa prices are now heading for a record annual slump. Futures had surged nearly three-fold in 2024, hitting a peak of almost 13,000 dollars a tonne.
Extreme weather damaged crops in the ivory coast and ghana,
Which together supply over 50 percent of global cocoa.


Cocoa Slump Brings No Sweet Relief

A new study reveals how specific microbes, temperature, and acidity create complex chocolate flavors, paving the way for consistent quality.


Scientists find way to control cocoa flavours with microbe mix

A global cocoa shortage, driven by poor harvests in West Africa and rising demand, is causing chocolate prices to soar. Major producers are facing supply constraints, pushing costs higher for both manufacturers and consumers.

Chocolate Demand Weakens | Prices More Than Doubled Since Early 2024

A global cocoa shortage, driven by poor harvests in West Africa and rising demand, is causing U.S. chocolate prices to soar. Major producers are facing supply constraints, pushing costs higher for both manufacturers and consumers.

Cocoa Prices More Than Doubled Since Early 2024 

Cocoa production in Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa producer, has faced significant risks in the last two years. July saw a sharp drop in cocoa grind, falling 31.2 percent year on year.

Everyday Chocolate Could See Quality Or Price Changes

Brazil is leading the charge in reviving the global chocolate industry, which is facing a severe supply shortage and rising prices.&nbsp;
Moises Schmidt, a cocoa grower and entrepreneur in Bahia state, is leading the development of what could become the world&rsquo;s largest cocoa farm. &nbsp;&nbsp;
He has secured preliminary backing from major cocoa traders and chocolate manufacturers. &nbsp;&nbsp;
&lsquo;We started producing cocoa looking for an alternative that would add to the fruit production that the group already wanted. However, at that time cocoa production needed shade and we began to understand a little the dynamics and the technical issues of cocoa. We began to identify that cocoa in full sun had a better response, the tree grew faster. It started producing fruit much earlier, producing more,&rsquo; Schmidt said while speaking to Reuters.&nbsp;
<h2>Cocoa crisis hits global chocolate supply&nbsp;</h2>
The project comes at a critical time&mdash;cocoa production in West Africa, which supplies 70 per cent of the world&rsquo;s beans, is stagnating. &nbsp;Meanwhile, global demand for chocolate continues to rise, creating urgent pressure to find new, high-yield sources of cocoa.&nbsp;
&lsquo;In Brazil, today, we've reached the conclusion that if you want to reach a production above 1,6 million tons of cocoa, you need at least 500 thousand hectares of cocoa plantations in non-traditional areas, like the ones you are seeing here. This production, in my point of view, will only cover a drop of the production of countries in Africa that are stagnating at the moment,&rsquo; he said.&nbsp;
The implications of this megafarm are significant. &nbsp;If successful, it would not only make Brazil a key player in the global cocoa market but also set a new benchmark for sustainable, high-efficiency cocoa production. &nbsp;&nbsp;
With global chocolate makers seeking reliable supply chains amid mounting climate and disease pressures in West Africa, this project could reshape where&mdash;and how&mdash;cocoa is grown.&nbsp;

Business Economy, Brazil is leading the charge in reviving the global chocolate industry, which is facing a severe supply shortage and rising prices.

Brazil is leading the charge in reviving the global chocolate industry, which is facing a severe supply shortage and rising prices. Moises Schmidt, a cocoa grower and entrepreneur in Bahia state, is leading the development of what could become the world’s largest cocoa farm. He has secured preliminary backing from major cocoa traders and chocolate manufacturers. ‘We started producing cocoa looking for an alternative that would add to the fruit production that the group already wanted. However, at that time cocoa production needed shade and we began to understand a little the dynamics and the technical issues of cocoa. We began to identify that cocoa in full sun had a better response, the tree grew faster. It started producing fruit much earlier, producing more,’ Schmidt said while speaking to Reuters. Cocoa crisis hits global chocolate supply The project comes at a critical time—cocoa production in West Africa, which supplies 70 per cent of the world’s beans, is stagnating. Meanwhile, global demand for chocolate continues to rise, creating urgent pressure to find new, high-yield sources of cocoa. ‘In Brazil, today, we've reached the conclusion that if you want to reach a production above 1,6 million tons of cocoa, you need at least 500 thousand hectares of cocoa plantations in non-traditional areas, like the ones you are seeing here. This production, in my point of view, will only cover a drop of the production of countries in Africa that are stagnating at the moment,’ he said. The implications of this megafarm are significant. If successful, it would not only make Brazil a key player in the global cocoa market but also set a new benchmark for sustainable, high-efficiency cocoa production. With global chocolate makers seeking reliable supply chains amid mounting climate and disease pressures in West Africa, this project could reshape where—and how—cocoa is grown.

Can Brazil save chocolate? One farm thinks so

Chocolate production faces bleak outlook in 2025. Cocoa grindings in Europe and Asia dropped significantly in the final quarter of 2024, signaling growing struggles for chocolate makers facing record prices and shrinking inventories. Bean processing fell 5.4% in Europe and 0.5% in Asia compared to the same period last year. This marks the lowest fourth-quarter grindings since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the industry.

Cocoa grindings hit 4 year low in Europe, Asia

Cocoa processing slumps in Europe & Asia amid record prices

The cost of your favorite chocolate could soon leave a bitter taste…this comes as cocoa prices hit a new record high. Cocoa futures have reached an all-time high of over 11,900 dollars per tonne, with prices almost tripling since the start of 2024.

Cocoa Futures Soar To  $11,925 Per Ton Amid Supply Woes

The cost of your favorite chocolate could soon leave a bitter taste…this comes as cocoa prices hit a new record high. Cocoa futures have reached an all-time high of over 11,900 dollars per tonne, with prices almost tripling since the start of 2024.



Climate change is stressing rainforests where the highly-sensitive cocoa bean grows and so now companies are researching other ways to grow cocoa or develop cocoa substitutes.

Climate change threatens chocolate supplies

Cocoa prices in New York are experiencing a significant decline, with futures dropping as much as 2.3% on Thursday. This follows a period of sustained highs, with cocoa exceeding $11,000 per tonne in 2024 due to global supply concerns. However, recent forecasts predict favorable weather conditions for crucial west African growers, raising hopes of a production rebound next season. This optimism has led to the first quarterly loss for cocoa futures in two years.

Cocoa prices fall after peaking above $11,000

There's no sugar-coating it: chocolate prices are going up. Why? Because of rising cocoa costs from adverse weather, which is biting into chocolate. Will vanila face the same crisis?

Will ice cream lovers face the same dilemma as chocolate fans?

Chocolate prices to keep rising as West Africa’s cocoa crisis deepens. Top growers in Ivory Coast and Ghana are facing catastrophic harvests, resulting in record-high cocoa prices.

Chocolate prices rises as West Africa’s cocoa crisis deepens

Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa producer, is facing a financial crisis due to a dramatic drop in cocoa bean output. Extreme weather and disease have ravaged crops, leading to a harvest forecast of just 422,500 tons - half of what the country initially expected.

Cocoa prices surpass $9,000 for the first time amid supply crunch

Swiss chocolatier Lindt &amp; Spruengli reported a surge in annual profit on Tuesday, attributing the increase to successful price adjustments amid soaring ingredient costs and a sluggish global chocolate market. <o:p></o:p>

Despite challenges posed by record-high cocoa prices and reduced consumer spending reported by competitors like Hershey's and Modelez, Lindt managed to navigate the market downturn by passing on increased costs to customers while maintaining sales volumes.<o:p></o:p>

The rise in cocoa prices, driven by adverse weather conditions and supply shortages, has presented significant challenges to chocolate manufacturers globally. <o:p></o:p>

However, Lindt's ability to translate these challenges into opportunities through strategic pricing adjustments has been key in maintaining profitability amidst market headwinds.<o:p></o:p>

"Lindt once again demonstrated its strong pricing power in FY23 thanks to its global premium positioning with high exposure to gifting and pralines," Reuters quoted Vontobel analyst Jean-Philippe Bertschy as saying.<o:p></o:p>

Bertschy expressed confidence in Lindt's continued momentum despite the challenging cocoa price environment.<o:p></o:p>

Speaking at a press conference, Lindt's Chief Executive, Adalbert Lechner, highlighted emerging trends in consumer behaviour, including the rising popularity of weight loss drugs like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in the United States and Switzerland. <o:p></o:p>

However, Lechner noted that the company had yet to observe any major impact on its business from these trends, signalling a cautious approach to market shifts.<o:p></o:p>

Lindt's strong financial performance for the year ending December 31, 2023, was characterised by a 17.9 per cent increase in net income, reaching 671.4 million Swiss francs. <o:p></o:p>

The company's organic sales also saw a notable uptick of 10.3 per cent, driven by post-COVID recovery trends, particularly in the demand for higher-value products such as pralines.<o:p></o:p>

Looking ahead, Lindt aims to sustain its growth trajectory by implementing mid-single digit price hikes in 2024, alongside targeted organic growth of 6 per cent to 8 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

The company also aims to achieve an operating margin of 20-40 basis points.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Spruengli reported a surge in annual profit on Tuesday, attributing the increase to successful price adjustments amid soaring ingredient costs and a sluggish global chocolate market.

Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Spruengli reported a surge in annual profit on Tuesday, attributing the increase to successful price adjustments amid soaring ingredient costs and a sluggish global chocolate market. Despite challenges posed by record-high cocoa prices and reduced consumer spending reported by competitors like Hershey's and Modelez, Lindt managed to navigate the market downturn by passing on increased costs to customers while maintaining sales volumes. The rise in cocoa prices, driven by adverse weather conditions and supply shortages, has presented significant challenges to chocolate manufacturers globally. However, Lindt's ability to translate these challenges into opportunities through strategic pricing adjustments has been key in maintaining profitability amidst market headwinds. "Lindt once again demonstrated its strong pricing power in FY23 thanks to its global premium positioning with high exposure to gifting and pralines," Reuters quoted Vontobel analyst Jean-Philippe Bertschy as saying. Bertschy expressed confidence in Lindt's continued momentum despite the challenging cocoa price environment. Speaking at a press conference, Lindt's Chief Executive, Adalbert Lechner, highlighted emerging trends in consumer behaviour, including the rising popularity of weight loss drugs like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in the United States and Switzerland. However, Lechner noted that the company had yet to observe any major impact on its business from these trends, signalling a cautious approach to market shifts. Lindt's strong financial performance for the year ending December 31, 2023, was characterised by a 17.9 per cent increase in net income, reaching 671.4 million Swiss francs. The company's organic sales also saw a notable uptick of 10.3 per cent, driven by post-COVID recovery trends, particularly in the demand for higher-value products such as pralines. Looking ahead, Lindt aims to sustain its growth trajectory by implementing mid-single digit price hikes in 2024, alongside targeted organic growth of 6 per cent to 8 per cent. The company also aims to achieve an operating margin of 20-40 basis points. (With inputs from Reuters)

Lindt reports record 2023 profits while global chocolate market slows down

As concerns about potential shortages in supply continue to grow, the price of cocoa rose to new all-time highs in New York. Monday saw futures reach a new high, climbing 4.6%. This comes after last week when cocoa prices marked the biggest weekly gain since 1999. Watch to know more!

Persistent supply fears push Cocoa to new record high

Your favourite chocolates are all set to get costlier this year. Prices have reached an all-time high as global supply concerns linger. This report tells you how the turmoil in cocoa markets impacts your favourite chocolates.

Global hedge funds amass $8.7 Billion bet on cocoas

The global cocoa market is in turmoil as prices reach unprecedented highs due to supply concerns. Hershey braces for a sales slowdown amid skyrocketing cocoa costs, while analysts warn of potential inflationary threats.

Cocoa prices reach record highs amid supply concerns

World cocoa prices reached historic highs on Thursday as traders scrambled to secure supplies, anticipating widening deficits for the ongoing season and expressing growing concerns for the future. <o:p></o:p>

According to a Reuters report, this surge has not only impacted the commodity market but is also trickling down to affect major players in the chocolate industry, with Hershey forecasting a slowdown in demand from cost-conscious consumers, following a 6.6 per cent drop in sales volumes in the fourth quarter. <o:p></o:p>

The chocolate giant's shares, down approximately 30 per cent since May 2023, also revealed expectations of reduced earnings growth due to the soaring cocoa prices.<o:p></o:p>

The repercussions of the escalating cocoa prices are evident on retail shelves, where Hershey is bracing for a further dip in demand. <o:p></o:p>

The aftermath of its fourth-quarter performance, coupled with the anticipation of a challenging year ahead, led the company to project limitations on its earnings growth. <o:p></o:p>

Rival chocolate manufacturer, Mondelez, also experienced a decline in volumes during the last quarter.<o:p></o:p>

Meteorologist and commodity trading advisor at Best Weather Inc., Jim Roemer, expressed his concern about the current cocoa market situation.<o:p></o:p>

"Going back 47 years, almost every major price blip was followed by a massive 20-50 per cent price break, within one to two years. Is this situation different? According to my sources in the cocoa bush of West Africa...yes," Reuters quoted him as saying. <o:p></o:p>

Roemer, citing damage to the cocoa crop from strong Harmattan winds in West Africa, suggested that the squeeze on cocoa prices might persist for another month or two.<o:p></o:p>

The benchmark ICE London cocoa futures soared to 4,577 pounds per metric ton, experiencing a 4.7 per cent increase to 4,546 pounds by 1246 GMT. <o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, New York's benchmark ICE cocoa futures hit a new peak at $5,625 per ton, reflecting a 3.6 per cent surge at $5,602. <o:p></o:p>

These prices have approximately doubled since the beginning of the previous year.<o:p></o:p>

Reports from No. 2 cocoa producer Ghana indicate a significant decline in output for the current 2023-24 season, ranging between 475,000-500,000 tons compared to 655,000 tons the previous year. T<o:p></o:p>

his aligns with a recent Reuters cocoa poll projecting a global deficit of 375,000 tons in the 2023/24 season, more than double the previous poll in August. <o:p></o:p>

Experts fear that the shortage may extend into the next year, prompting concerns about filling the void with beans from subsequent crops if the current season's yields remain insufficient.<o:p></o:p>

Traders and experts are contemplating the possibility of a prolonged shortage, questioning the consequences if the next season's cocoa crop faces similar challenges. <o:p></o:p>

This unprecedented situation is not only impacting chocolate manufacturers but also sending ripples throughout the wider commodity market, affecting soft commodities like sugar and coffee.<o:p></o:p>

In the realm of other soft commodities, raw sugar experienced a 0.5 per cent slip to 23.77 cents per lb, while white sugar witnessed a 0.3 per cent rise to $658.20 per ton. <o:p></o:p>

Arabica coffee saw a 0.5 per cent decline to $1.8705 per lb, and Robusta remained relatively stable at $3,114 per ton, providing a broader context of the challenges facing the global soft commodity market.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

World cocoa prices reached historic highs on Thursday as traders scrambled to secure supplies, anticipating widening deficits for the ongoing season and expressing growing concerns for the future.

World cocoa prices reached historic highs on Thursday as traders scrambled to secure supplies, anticipating widening deficits for the ongoing season and expressing growing concerns for the future. According to a Reuters report, this surge has not only impacted the commodity market but is also trickling down to affect major players in the chocolate industry, with Hershey forecasting a slowdown in demand from cost-conscious consumers, following a 6.6 per cent drop in sales volumes in the fourth quarter. The chocolate giant's shares, down approximately 30 per cent since May 2023, also revealed expectations of reduced earnings growth due to the soaring cocoa prices. The repercussions of the escalating cocoa prices are evident on retail shelves, where Hershey is bracing for a further dip in demand. The aftermath of its fourth-quarter performance, coupled with the anticipation of a challenging year ahead, led the company to project limitations on its earnings growth. Rival chocolate manufacturer, Mondelez, also experienced a decline in volumes during the last quarter. Meteorologist and commodity trading advisor at Best Weather Inc., Jim Roemer, expressed his concern about the current cocoa market situation. "Going back 47 years, almost every major price blip was followed by a massive 20-50 per cent price break, within one to two years. Is this situation different? According to my sources in the cocoa bush of West Africa...yes," Reuters quoted him as saying. Roemer, citing damage to the cocoa crop from strong Harmattan winds in West Africa, suggested that the squeeze on cocoa prices might persist for another month or two. The benchmark ICE London cocoa futures soared to 4,577 pounds per metric ton, experiencing a 4.7 per cent increase to 4,546 pounds by 1246 GMT. Meanwhile, New York's benchmark ICE cocoa futures hit a new peak at $5,625 per ton, reflecting a 3.6 per cent surge at $5,602. These prices have approximately doubled since the beginning of the previous year. Reports from No. 2 cocoa producer Ghana indicate a significant decline in output for the current 2023-24 season, ranging between 475,000-500,000 tons compared to 655,000 tons the previous year. T his aligns with a recent Reuters cocoa poll projecting a global deficit of 375,000 tons in the 2023/24 season, more than double the previous poll in August. Experts fear that the shortage may extend into the next year, prompting concerns about filling the void with beans from subsequent crops if the current season's yields remain insufficient. Traders and experts are contemplating the possibility of a prolonged shortage, questioning the consequences if the next season's cocoa crop faces similar challenges. This unprecedented situation is not only impacting chocolate manufacturers but also sending ripples throughout the wider commodity market, affecting soft commodities like sugar and coffee. In the realm of other soft commodities, raw sugar experienced a 0.5 per cent slip to 23.77 cents per lb, while white sugar witnessed a 0.3 per cent rise to $658.20 per ton. Arabica coffee saw a 0.5 per cent decline to $1.8705 per lb, and Robusta remained relatively stable at $3,114 per ton, providing a broader context of the challenges facing the global soft commodity market. (With inputs from Reuters)

Cocoa prices skyrocket to unprecedented highs amid global supply concerns

Ghana, the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, may not be able to fulfill some of its crop contracts for a second season due to weak harvest, raises the possibility of a global shortage, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Sources familiar with the situation, told Bloomberg that farmers in Ghana are anticipated to harvest the least amount in 13 years during the season ending next month, falling short of official projections by almost a quarter. According to them, the shortfall is preventing the industry’s regulator from fulfilling current contracts and forcing it to postpone the supply of 44,000 metric tons of cocoa for future harvests.

The decision would put additional pressure on the world’s cocoa markets, where prices have increased this year due to extreme weather, which has reduced output among leading growers. The 2017 main-crop harvest in Ivory Coast, the greatest exporter in the world, is predicted to decrease by about a fifth from the previous year.

The actual harvest is now expected to be around 650,000 tons, down from the initial estimate of 850,000 tons by the Ghana Cocoa Board, which was hampered by a lack of fertilizers, spraying chemicals, and sales to the neighboring Ivory Coast, where a stronger currency offers better returns for farmers, the sources said. They said that the regulator had already renewed around 40,000 tons of contracts during the previous season.

Leading producers’ output problems will probably put the globe on track for a third consecutive supply shortfall. Major chocolate producers have cautioned that, given the rise in wholesale costs, they cannot rule out further consumer price hikes.

The problem for Ghana comes on top of difficulties in trying to secure funds to buy beans for the crop in the years 2023–2024, highlighting worries about the debt crisis in the West African country. The Ghana Cocoa Board is looking for additional methods of funding the upcoming season, which begins on October 1.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Ghana, the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, may not be able to fulfill some of its crop contracts for a second season due to weak harvest, raises the possibility of a global shortage, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Ghana, the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, may not be able to fulfill some of its crop contracts for a second season due to weak harvest, raises the possibility of a global shortage, according to a report by Bloomberg. Sources familiar with the situation, told Bloomberg that farmers in Ghana are anticipated to harvest the least amount in 13 years during the season ending next month, falling short of official projections by almost a quarter. According to them, the shortfall is preventing the industry’s regulator from fulfilling current contracts and forcing it to postpone the supply of 44,000 metric tons of cocoa for future harvests. The decision would put additional pressure on the world’s cocoa markets, where prices have increased this year due to extreme weather, which has reduced output among leading growers. The 2017 main-crop harvest in Ivory Coast, the greatest exporter in the world, is predicted to decrease by about a fifth from the previous year. The actual harvest is now expected to be around 650,000 tons, down from the initial estimate of 850,000 tons by the Ghana Cocoa Board, which was hampered by a lack of fertilizers, spraying chemicals, and sales to the neighboring Ivory Coast, where a stronger currency offers better returns for farmers, the sources said. They said that the regulator had already renewed around 40,000 tons of contracts during the previous season. Leading producers’ output problems will probably put the globe on track for a third consecutive supply shortfall. Major chocolate producers have cautioned that, given the rise in wholesale costs, they cannot rule out further consumer price hikes. The problem for Ghana comes on top of difficulties in trying to secure funds to buy beans for the crop in the years 2023–2024, highlighting worries about the debt crisis in the West African country. The Ghana Cocoa Board is looking for additional methods of funding the upcoming season, which begins on October 1. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ghana may not meet demand for cocoa after weak harvest 

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