Cocoa grinding in Europe falls to its lowest level in six years.

THE cocoa grinding in Europe reached lowest level for a second quarter in six yearsreinforcing signs of deceleration of the demand in the region, according to data released this Thursday (16) by European Cocoa AssociationAccording to the entity, the processing totaled 316,366 tons between April and June of 2026, a drop of 4.6% compared to the same period of the previous year. The result was below market expectations, which projected a decline of 1.5%. In contrast to Europe, the Asia recorded strong growth in milling.According to Asian Cocoa Associationthe processing reached 224,646 tons node second quarter, 25% increase compared to the previous year, and well above the projected 9% increase. North AmericaThe processing also showed positive performance, with growth of 7.65%totaling 109,659 tons during this period. The numbers reinforce that the market continues more sensitive to supply factors than to consumption indicators of culture. The recent appreciation of cocoa remains associated with concerns about production in West Africa and to speculative activity, while global demand continues to show uneven behavior among the main consumer regions. Attention remains focused on… next harvest from Ivory Coast and for the climatic conditions that may influence the production of 2026/27 seasonAt the same time, global inventories remain above the levels recorded during the supply crisis of 2024, reducing some of the pressure on the availability of commodityNo futures market Regarding cocoa, open interest has increased. 1,209 contracts, reaching 207,360 contracts, while ICE's certified stocks in the ports of United States, they grew by 22,099 bags, totaling 3.2 million bags. The indicators point to a simultaneous increase in liquidity and the supply available for delivery. In Brazila National Association of Cocoa Processing Industries (AIPC) reported this week that receipt of almonds It has been growing at a faster rate than the milling process. According to the entity, the greater supply of raw materials This has not yet been accompanied by a proportional increase in processing by the domestic industry.

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.