Monday, 25 May 2026
Poor cocoa harvest in West Africa threatens global supply, prices set to rise
West Africa, home to the world’s largest cocoa producers, is facing another disappointing harvest season, raising concerns over global chocolate supplies and increasing the likelihood of higher prices.
According to industry estimates, Côte d’Ivoire, the leading cocoa producer, is expected to harvest approximately 1.4 million tons of cocoa this season. Ghana, the world’s second-largest producer, is forecasted to gather around 620,000 tons. Both figures mark a significant decline from their historical production peaks.
A report from Bloomberg highlights that this drop in output is keeping global cocoa supplies tight. While a recent dip in demand has provided some relief to the market, supply shortages remain a pressing issue for the industry.
The cocoa sector in West Africa continues to struggle with persistent structural challenges. Aging cocoa trees and crop diseases are widespread, further limiting production potential and fueling concerns over rising prices for consumers worldwide.
As supply issues mount, chocolate lovers across the globe may soon feel the impact at the checkout counter.