Côte d’Ivoire to raise cocoa farmgate price 39% for 2025/26 season
Côte d’Ivoire plans record cocoa price hike for farmers as main crop season begins amid shifting global market dynamics.
IVORY COAST – Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is set to raise its farmgate price for the 2025/26 main crop by 39% to a record 2,500 CFA francs (US$4.50) per kilogram, two sources at the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) told Reuters.
The new price is expected to be officially announced by the agriculture minister on October 1 at the launch of the season, which will run until March 2026.
The proposed increase marks a significant rise from last season’s CFA1,800 per kilogram and exceeds the CFA2,200 paid during the mid-crop by 14%. Industry analysts suggest the higher rate could encourage more farmers to sell beans through official channels, though concerns remain over production levels.
Côte d’Ivoire faces the prospect of a third consecutive year of declining output, with adverse weather conditions and the spread of swollen shoot virus disease continuing to affect yields.
Despite these challenges, recent above-average rainfall across major cocoa-growing regions has improved prospects for the main harvest.
Farmers in key growing areas noted that the rains have supported cocoa tree yields, pod development, and bean quality. Most of the crop is expected to be harvested between November and December if favorable conditions persist.
Global cocoa markets reacted to reports of improved weather with sharp declines. New York cocoa futures fell to a 10.5-month low, while London cocoa dropped to a 2.25-month low.
Meanwhile, the CCC has granted export licences to 109 companies and cooperatives for the upcoming season, up from 106 a year earlier. Among the licensed firms are leading international traders and chocolate manufacturers, including Olam, CEMOI, Barry Callebaut, Touton, Sucden, Nestlé, and Cargill.
The record farmgate price aims to boost farmer incomes while positioning Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa sector to remain competitive amid global market fluctuations.
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