Ivory Coast’s Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) and the country’s cocoa exporters’ group GEPEX have reached an agreement to resume export contracts for the mid crop, officials and industry sources said on Tuesday.
The deal comes after sales of the mid-crop had stagnated, with only ten thousand metric tons purchased between October and February, creating concern among farmers and traders.
According to eight sources, including exporters and government officials, the agreement has already triggered purchases of more than 200,000 tons of mid-crop cocoa in recent days, allowing the release of export contracts that had been delayed for several months.
GEPEX, which represents multinational cocoa traders including Cargill, Olam, Sucden, Touton, Barry Callebaut and Ecom Trading, said the agreement would ensure smoother operations for the export sector while addressing concerns over market supply.
The mid crop, which runs from April to September, is the second main harvest of the season. Its sales are closely monitored by authorities as they have a direct impact on farmers’ incomes and Ivory Coast’s position as the world’s largest cocoa exporter.
Sources said the renewed flow of contracts is expected to ease tensions between producers and exporters, who had been negotiating over prices amid volatile global cocoa markets. The agreement follows weeks of discussions aimed at balancing farmer revenues with the financial and logistical needs of multinational buyers.
Earlier this month, GEPEX had faced criticism for limited purchases after cocoa futures on global markets fell, putting pressure on the fixed prices that local farmers receive. The deal with the CCC is intended to restore confidence in the market and avoid supply bottlenecks that could affect both domestic processing and international shipments.
Cocoa accounts for a significant share of Ivory Coast’s export revenue, supporting millions of smallholder farmers. Authorities have repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining stable market conditions while ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their crops.
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The agreement also comes ahead of the CCC’s planned announcement of the mid-crop fixed price, which has been advanced from the usual late March or early April timeline due to pressure from the global market slump.
Analysts said the deal may help stabilize domestic cocoa flows and prevent further delays in shipping, which can disrupt production schedules for chocolate manufacturers worldwide.
Farmers and cooperatives have welcomed the move, noting that the resumption of export purchases ensures that the mid-crop will reach international markets in a timely manner, helping to secure cash flow for rural communities.
Ivory Coast and neighbouring Ghana together supply more than half of the world’s cocoa. Decisions on mid-crop purchases in these countries can influence global cocoa prices, particularly as Europe and North America remain major destinations for cocoa beans and processed chocolate products.
The CCC and GEPEX said they would continue to monitor the implementation of the agreement and maintain dialogue with farmers’ groups to ensure orderly trading for the remainder of the mid-crop season.
With the deal in place, exporters can now resume purchasing mid-crop cocoa under release contracts, providing both farmers and multinationals with a clearer framework for the months ahead.
