Two weeks ago, WPI published an article looking at the supply-side factors in the cocoa market and what has been driving the massive price rally. With this article, we will look at the consumption and demand-side factors that are likely to influence the market and pricing for LH 2024 and into 2025. Note that the political landscape is set to change dramatically in 2025 as the EU’s Deforestation Regulation is scheduled to come into effect. This monstrous legislation will create a massive burden on the cocoa industry and has the potential to upend global cocoa trade from multiple angles. Primer on Cocoa Demand and Use Obviously, cocoa’s primary use is in the food industry to make products that are otherwise blah into...
Regional News Dry weather across the UK and Europe is becoming increasingly concerning for the 2027 crops as planting intentions are lowered amid dry soil conditions. Delayed sowing or establishment under adverse conditions could leave crops more vulnerable to frost/freeze events and dise...
From WPI Consulting
Forecasting developments in production agriculture
On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.