The continuing dry weather in the regions of cocoa production in côte d'ivoire, despite the beginning of the rainy season in early April, has forced exporters to lower predictions of volume of production of intermediate harvest in March and April in the main world producer.

Côte d'ivoire has collected a record harvest of cocoa beans in 1.8 million tons in the season 2014/15, the increase is partially received intermediate harvest at 514 000 tonnes surpassed the average.

Weather conditions are more dry this year, and the government forecasts a harvest of 1.6 million tonnes this season. Delivery in ports has reached 1 216 751 tons at the end of the gathering the main harvest, according to the Council for coffee and cocoa (CCC).

In the beginning of the year all exporters unanimously predicted that the production of intermediate harvest will reach about 500 000 tonnes. However, five sector players, including exporters, announced that it has lowered its estimate to 330 000-360 000 tons.

Singapore Olam International predicted intermediate harvest in côte d'ivoire at the level of 450 000 tonnes at the end of February due to weather conditions.

West African cocoa producers have suffered greatly from the long sharp wind, Harmattan, from the end of October.

With APR manufacturers are concerned about the low survival rate of flowers and young pods. From 30 to 40% of the March of the ovary of the fruit was lost in April, said the exporters.

According to their forecasts, the interim harvest will reach 330,000 tons.

Some exporters are worried that the current unfavourable conditions of production may continue into June or even to have a negative impact on the development of the main crop-2016/17.

If you do not go good regular rains in the next six weeks, the situation could become dangerous, said one of the manufacturers that forecasted harvest 360 000 tonnes.

Source: Thomson Reuters