The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) has reported opposing cocoa production trends from West African producing countries. I Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa exporters, are slightly up with 1.340 m t, as of 30 January 2022, compared with the 1.320 m t produced in the same period of 2020/21, representing a 1.5 % increase.

Meanwhile, Ghana has taken a heavy hit with an astonishing 53.9 % drop in arrivals and purchases of graded and sealed cocoa beans. This takes Ghana’s figures down from 570,000 t last season to just 263,000 t, as of 6 January 2022. Cameroon is also said to be experiencing lower than usual cocoa exports for its fourth quarter.

The reason for the drastic drop seen in Ghana is as of yet uncertain. The ICCO comments, “it is unknown whether we are in the presence of a poor season, or other factors are affecting the evacuation of beans from upcountry.” However, there is some speculation about the contributing factors, including logistical disruptions and sub-optimal weather conditions.