- Cocoa prices rose in Q2’26, but the rally was controlled by better producer-country supply and weaker processing demand across key consuming regions globally.
- Feedstock pressure eased as global cocoa production recovered, but low stock comfort kept volatility high amid uncertain weather-patterns and uneven regional supply recovery.
- Downstream demand stayed cautious, as high bean costs reduced grinding interest and limited aggressive buying from processors, especially in Europe and Asia confectionery markets.
In the UK, cocoa prices rose from about GBP 2.49/kg to roughly GBP 3.09/kg, respectively, in the first two months of Q2’26. Market sentiment was influenced by concerns over producer-country supply quality, timing, and weather-related risks. ICCO’s May 2026 bulletin revised the 2024/25 cocoa balance to a surplus, with production estimated at 4.723 million tonnes and grindings at 4.628 million tonnes, easing some supply pressure. Côte d’Ivoire’s outlook improved, with 2025/26 production projected at 2.0–2.1 million tonnes and arrivals exceeding 1.7 million tonnes by mid-May, yet regional farmers faced weaker pod survival and reduced flowering amid the weather disruptions. However, in Ghana, heavy rains disrupted flowering and heightened black pod disease risks across key regions, adding to uncertainty. Overall, although there were improvements on the supply side, weather problems and issues with the quality of crops kept affecting prices.