Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer, has sold over 400,000 metric tons of cocoa export contracts for the 2025/26 season to local grinders, according to sources cited by Reuters. The sales occurred within 10 days of resuming purchases for the mid-crop, following a period of slow contract activity.
The exporters’ association GEPEX, which includes major buyers such as Barry Callebaut, Olam, and Cargill, reached a resolution with regulators in late February, enabling renewed trading. Earlier, only about 10,000 tonnes had been sold due to a dip in global cocoa prices, making the latest 400,000-tonne volume a notable rebound.
CNBC Africa noted that contract sales were boosted after the mid-crop season began on March 1, aided by adjustments such as lowering the fixed farm-gate price to improve competitiveness. Buyers indicated that the 400,000 tonnes sold represents the bulk of the available mid-crop volume for export contracts this marketing year.
The strong uptake signals renewed forward market engagement in West Africa’s cocoa sector after months of subdued demand, previously affected by global price weakness and high inventories.
