According to figures released by the European Cocoa Association (ECA) for the third quarter, Europe’s cocoa grinding rose 8.7% from the prior quarter to 375,811 tonnes in Q3
The market had expected the increase to be higher, after Q2 numbers had increased by a more impressive 13.6%. Cocoa prices initially fell but recovered shortly after. The grinding numbers represent a 3.5% increase from pre-pandemic levels for 2019.
Reporting companies were: Barry-Callebaut. Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate. Ecom/Dutch Cocoa. Nederland SA. Olam Cocoa. Cemoi. Natra.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg is reporting an estimate for North America grinding numbers of 6.6%, while the National Confectioners Association Q3 survey has reported a lower increase of 4.34%, although fewer companies completed the survey this time around.
The companies that reported numbers for this survey were:
Barry Callebaut Guittard Chocolate Co. The Blommer Chocolate Co. The Hershey Company. Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate Co. Mars Wrigley Confectionery. ECOM. Nestlé. Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. Ferrero