Unseasonal Rains Boost Cocoa Prospects in Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast's cocoa-growing regions have experienced unseasonal rainfall, exceeding five-year averages. Farmers anticipate increased cocoa bean volumes and improved quality during the critical February-March period.
Insights:
Unseasonal rains have swept across the cocoa-growing regions of Ivory Coast, significantly exceeding the five-year average for this time of year. This unusual weather pattern, occurring during the country's typically dry season from mid-November to March, has raised expectations among farmers for a promising cocoa harvest. Ivory Coast, the world's leading cocoa producer, is currently in the final stages of its main crop season, which runs from October to March.
In late December 2024 and early January 2025, regions such as Soubré and Daloa recorded rainfall levels of 25.3 mm and 11.1 mm, respectively. These figures stand at 21 mm and 8.9 mm above their historical averages. Similar patterns were observed in other key cocoa-producing areas, including Bongouanou, Yamoussoukro, Agboville, Divo, and Abengourou. Such precipitation during the dry season is rare, typically marked by scarce downpours.
