Barry Callebaut AG (BYCBF)

Ivory Coast cocoa regulator scraps stockpile exemption for bean grinders

Ivory Coast cocoa sector regulator will not allow bean grinders to accumulate stocks beyond authorised limits during the main October to March harvest to ensure fair access amid fears of a supply shortage. Cocoa futures have hit record highs due to forecasts for a drop in production, particularly from Ivory Coast and Ghana, the world's top two producers that account for more than 70% of world output. Ivory Coast's main crop is expected to fall by around 25% this season compared with the previous season due to poor weather.