This episode explores key developments in the global cocoa market.

• In Ivory Coast, despite increased pod counts and an optimistic harvest forecast, quality concerns persist due to late rains affecting pod development. The mid-crop yield is now projected at 400,000 tons. Although export volumes remain stable, they represent a slowdown from prior peaks, further strained by dry conditions impacting both quality and quantity. The suspension of operations by Cargill due to bean quality deterioration underscores the ongoing challenges for regional processors.
• Ghana expects an 8.3 percent increase in cocoa production for the 2025–2026 season, reaching 650,000 metric tons, supported by yield enhancement programs. However, disease threats like black pod disease, fueled by abnormal moisture, pose risks to future harvests.
• Nigeria faces an 11 percent decline in cocoa production, down to 305,000 tons, largely due to adverse weather and disease pressure. Nonetheless, a modest 0.9 percent year-on-year increase in exports suggests a degree of resilience. Long-term concerns persist over infrastructure and disease management.
• Cameroon anticipates a 6 percent drop in output, driven by rising pest infestations and erratic rainfall, prompting government consideration of emergency interventions. Meanwhile, Ecuador's cocoa sector is being negatively impacted by extreme temperatures and insufficient rainfall, which are producing smaller beans and raising concerns over quality in both domestic and export markets.