Group 1 - Cocoa futures prices are experiencing upward momentum due to dry weather threatening the next season's production, exacerbating an already tight global supply chain [1] - The most active cocoa futures contract in London rose by 1.3% to £5,264 per ton, with a weekly increase of approximately 1.7%, marking a strong rebound from a one-month low [1] - Severe drought conditions persist in nearly one-third of Côte d'Ivoire, the world's largest cocoa producer, while over half of Ghana is facing extreme drought [1] Group 2 - Cocoa futures prices reached historical highs in 2024, with London/New York prices surging to approximately $10,000–$13,000 per ton, reflecting a 280% increase by April 2024 compared to the beginning of the year [2] - The cocoa industry is facing supply challenges due to El Niño, ongoing drought, and diseases like CSSVD, with expectations of a 10% decline in West African production for the 2025/26 season [2] - Major chocolate manufacturers like Hershey and Lindt have announced double-digit price increases since 2024, indicating that high cocoa prices will likely persist for some time [2]

Group 1 - The cocoa, chocolate, and candy processing industry in Colombia experienced a year-on-year growth of 10.94% in the first quarter of 2025 [1] - As of April 2025, there are a total of 1,015 companies engaged in cocoa, chocolate, and candy processing in Colombia [1] - A significant majority, 94.5%, of these companies are classified as micro-enterprises [1]

Core Viewpoint - The World Bank warns that the financial instability of the Ghana Cocoa Board poses a serious threat to the development of the cocoa industry in Ghana, which is a crucial export sector for the country [1] Group 1: Financial Challenges - The World Bank's report highlights ongoing operational and financial challenges within the Ghana Cocoa Board that could jeopardize cocoa's role as a key export [1] - Despite global cocoa prices reaching historical highs, cocoa production in Ghana remains weak, indicating a disconnect between market prices and local production capabilities [1] Group 2: Debt and Supplier Payments - The Ghana Cocoa Board is reported to owe significant amounts to suppliers, exacerbating the financial strain on the cocoa industry [1] - The failure to address these debts could lead to broader economic repercussions for Ghana, given cocoa's importance for foreign exchange earnings and rural income [1] Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - The report calls for the Ghana Cocoa Board to focus on its core cocoa production activities, reduce non-core financial expenditures, and streamline operations to enhance efficiency and financial health [1]