Ghana's Cocoa Deliveries Jump Over 400% Following Early Season Launch 

October 1,2025

Ghana has witnessed a dramatic surge in cocoa arrivals at warehouses, with deliveries more than quadrupling in August compared to the same period last year. The sharp increase comes as the country initiated an unprecedented early start to its cocoa season, providing much-needed cash flow to farmers and contributing to a global easing of cocoa prices.

Record Deliveries Signal Strong Start

In the four weeks ending September 4, Ghana recorded arrivals of 50,440 metric tons of cocoa beans—a significant jump from approximately 11,000 tons delivered during the same period in 2024. The surge follows the government's decision to launch the 2025-26 cocoa season in August, two months earlier than the traditional October start date.

Price Increase Aims to Curb Smuggling

The world's second-largest cocoa producer raised farmgate prices by 4.2%, setting the rate at 3,228.75 cedis ($261) per 64-kilogram bag for the current season. This price adjustment is designed to reduce the financial incentive for farmers to smuggle their beans across borders to neighboring countries where prices have historically been higher.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Ghana's anti-smuggling efforts are showing promising results. A new funding model involving top exporters in financing purchases has enhanced the tracking of beans from farms to warehouses, improving supply chain transparency.

Market Recovery After Global Shortage

The cocoa market has been closely monitoring West African production following consecutive poor harvests that created a substantial global shortage. The supply crisis drove New York cocoa futures to record highs last year, causing concern throughout the chocolate industry.

While analysts expect a small surplus in the current 2024-25 season, the market remains constrained, with prices still significantly above historical averages. Most beans arriving at Ghanaian warehouses are destined for export, though some supply local processors.

Production Forecast Shows Optimism

Ghana's national cocoa regulator, Cocobod, has projected a harvest of 650,000 tons for the 2025-26 season, representing an increase from the 600,000 tons produced in the previous year. However, a Cocobod spokesperson declined to provide official comment on the August delivery figures.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, the world's leading cocoa producer, is expected to announce its own farmgate price increase for the new season beginning October 1. Like Ghana, Ivory Coast maintains government-controlled pricing for farmers.

The early momentum in Ghana's cocoa deliveries offers a positive signal for global chocolate manufacturers and could help stabilize prices that have remained volatile following years of supply challenges in West Africa.