In Ivory Coast, the world's leading cocoa producer, the authorities have decided to intervene in the face of the difficulties encountered by planters. The Coffee-Cocoa Council (CCC) has officially launched a program to buy back cocoa beans stored for several weeks, announced its general director, Yves Brahima Koné, this Thursday in Abidjan.
Last week, the Ivorian government indicated that the CCC planned to buy back up to 100,000 tonnes of excess cocoa. This decision comes in a context of market tensions, while several exporters refuse to buy beans at the guaranteed price of 2,800 CFA francs per kilogram, set by the State for the 2025-2026 campaign, due to the drop world prices.
According to exporters and cooperatives, Ivorian cocoa is considered too expensive. In particular, they are calling for a reduction in the price differential and the elimination of the decent income mechanism granted to producers.
During a press conference, Yves Brahima Koné explained that the slowdown in marketing is linked to logistical problems in ports, particularly in Abidjan, as well as a lack of liquidity in the payment circuit, preventing certain buyers to honor their commitments.
To avoid a social crisis in a country where planters constitute the most fragile link in a sector dominated by large international groups, the State has decided to take charge of purchasing stocks. The program is expected to cost more than 280 billion CFA francs, or approximately $516 million.
The first phase of the system consists of purchasing and storing the beans, before a second stage devoted to their export as soon as buyers come forward. The Coffee-Cocoa Council says it is ready to sell off these stocks quickly if the market allows it.
According to the CCC, around 200 tonnes of cocoa have already been received this week at the Transcao trading plant in Abidjan. Authorities plan to buy an average of 10,000 tonnes per week.
The general director of the CCC assured that this mechanism will guarantee producers the official price set by the government, in a context of high uncertainty on international markets.
