Ivory Coast Cocoa Grind Falls 2.1% Year-on-Year in January

Abidjan, February 16, 2026 – Cocoa processing activity in Ivory Coast declined slightly in January, reflecting continued pressure on bean availability during the current season.

According to data released by the exporters’ association (GEPEX), cocoa grindings totaled 61,914 metric tons in January, representing a 2.1% decrease compared with the same month last year.

Since the start of the 2025/26 season in October, cumulative grindings have reached 227,472 tons, marking a 7.4% decline compared with the corresponding period of the previous season.

GEPEX data covers six of the country’s largest cocoa processing companies, including major multinational operators such as Barry Callebaut, Olam, and Cargill.

Ivory Coast maintains an installed cocoa grinding capacity of approximately 750,000 tons per year. As the world’s leading cocoa producer, the country competes with the Netherlands for the position of top global grinder.

The decline in processing volumes highlights the ongoing tightness in bean supply, which continues to influence both local industry activity and international cocoa market dynamics.