Metarom USA reports that changes in global weather patterns are a primary factor in the shortage of African cocoa beans. West Africa is a key geographical region for the supply of cocoa beans used for chocolate, producing 70 percent of the world’s cocoa beans.

The World Economic Forum reports that climate change has led to a hefty 400 percent price increase since the beginning of 2023. Political instability in the region, black pod disease, mealybugs, extreme heat, and excessive rainfall also impact cocoa bean crop yields. Global weather patterns impact pricing and create unpredictable growing seasons in West Africa, especially in countries central to chocolate production, like Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Erratic weather patterns and increased temperatures have caused moisture stress and inhibited the regular growth of cocoa flowers and pods. Climatic shifts that spread pests and diseases during crop growth are expected to continue impacting the global industry.

Concerned organizations are taking action to support the local farmers impacted by increasingly unpredictable and lower yields and a changing landscape. The World Cocoa Foundation plans to use a strategic plan involving cash transfers, farm maintenance subsidies, and continued crop diversification to help increase the income of cocoa farmers in the area by 2030.

Local farmers are currently threatened by income loss due to poor crop production and interruptions caused by political instability.

Global Supply Impacts
Metarom USA shared that their global supplier, CIRANDA, emailed John Hemmingsen, Director of Sales–USA for Metarom USA, on November 22, 2024, regarding fluctuations in the cocoa and chocolate market prices. CIRANDA shared that “current pricing around $8400 per tonne based on industry reports as well are insights shared by [CIRANDA]’s suppliers.”

Other factors include growing concern about a below-average harvest in Africa and EU provisions of its ‘deforestation law’ that could curb cocoa supplies from countries where deforestation occurs. Due to market volatility, market prices have increased steadily.

Metarom USA offers innovative solutions to supply interruptions, including specialized technical flavors. Cocoa Booster mimics the tastes and textures of cocoa and chocolate, which can replace up to 30 percent of cocoa or cocoa powder while meeting very high standards.

About Metarom USA

Metarom USA has 100 years of experience crafting flavors, extracts, caramel, and cocoa bean products for a global market. We began in 1953 with our parent company led by Maurice Métayer in France. Metarom USA began with caramels and expanded from France to the United States in 2017. For more information, visit https://www.metaromusa.com/.