Commodities

Cocoa Processing Slows Amid Soaring Bean Prices

Published

3 months ago

July 10, 2024

Cocoa processing slowed last quarter and industry experts warn a steeper decline is looming as the ripple effects of skyrocketing cocoa prices hit chocolatiers globally.

Despite an historic shortage that sent cocoa prices to record highs this year, the impact on chocolate makers has been somewhat delayed.

However, as stockpiles of pre-crisis beans dwindle, manufacturers will soon face the full brunt of the price surge.

Cocoa prices soared to an all-time high of over $11,000 per ton in April due to poor harvests in West Africa, a key production region. Though prices have slightly eased, they remain more than double what they were a year ago.

This surge has not yet fully translated into higher costs for chocolate makers, who had previously secured beans at lower prices.

However, with inventories running low, the need to replenish supplies at higher costs is expected to significantly impact cocoa grindings in the latter half of the year.

Jonathan Parkman, head of agricultural sales at Marex Group, explained, “The cheap stuff is beginning to drop off, and the expensive stuff is coming in. The worst of input inflation will affect the second half of this year.”

A recent Bloomberg survey of six analysts and traders revealed that second-quarter cocoa grindings likely fell from a year earlier.

Processing in Europe, the largest consumer of cocoa, is estimated to have declined by 2%, potentially marking a four-year low.

All six analysts anticipate a larger global decline in the second half of the year.

Nestlé SA has already signaled the challenges ahead. An executive from the company warned last month that as manufacturers face higher cocoa costs, they will have to pass these expenses onto consumers, leading to a potential decrease in chocolate consumption.

Darren Stetzel, vice president of soft commodities for Asia at broker StoneX, echoed this sentiment, noting, “We are more likely to see a significant change in the grind number in the second half of the year.”

The rising costs have forced some cocoa processors to shutter factories, particularly in West Africa. This, combined with the tight supply of beans, has made it difficult to gauge true demand.

Traders and analysts are closely watching upcoming cocoa grinding data and earnings reports from major chocolate companies, such as Barry Callebaut AG, for further insights into the market.

To adapt to the high costs and scarce supply, some chocolate manufacturers have started using substitutes like palm oil to maintain production levels.

However, this is seen as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution.

The cocoa crunch underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to regional disruptions. As the second half of the year unfolds, the chocolate industry will be forced to navigate these challenges, balancing the need to secure sufficient cocoa supplies with the pressures of maintaining affordability for consumers.

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Samed Olukoya

Is the CEO and Founder of Investors King Limited. He is a seasoned foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and other prominent platforms. With over two decades of experience in global financial markets, Olukoya is well-recognized in the industry.

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Commodities

Cooking Gas Prices Surge Amidst Import Reliance, NIPCO CEO Calls for Local Refinery Support

Published

7 days ago

October 15, 2024

Yetunde Olugbenga

Just like the surge in fuel pump prices, the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has increased.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) Plc, Suresh Kumar, has urged the Federal Government to encourage Dangote Refinery and other domestic refineries to produce LPG to help lower the soaring price of cooking gas.

According to experts, the increase in cooking gas prices was due to insufficient local production.

Meanwhile, at the recently concluded National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers 2024, held in Lagos, Kumar revealed that over 60 percent of the cooking gas consumed in Nigeria is imported, which is a major factor behind the price hike.

Kumar acknowledged that support for local refineries would boost cooking gas production and reduce LPG importation.

“There is hope that reliance on imported LPG will decrease, which will positively influence domestic prices. Greater local production will make LPG more affordable since it reduces exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations and international pricing dynamics,” he stated.

Kumar further noted that the Federal Government should provide financial aid by investing in local refineries to accelerate LPG production, meet public demand with adequate supply, and reduce costs.

“We must work with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other stakeholders to end gas flaring in the country. Substantial investments are needed to capture and process flared gas to increase domestic supply beyond the current 1.5 million MT to at least 5 million MT annually,” he reiterated.

As of the time of this report, Investors King gathered that in the Osogbo area of Osun State, the price has risen from N1,400 to N1,500. In Ilorin, Kwara State, it is currently being sold for N1,500.

Meanwhile, in Lagos State, the current price is N1,400, compared to the previous price of N1,300.

Commodities

Federal Government Expands Subsidized Rice Program to Lagos, Kano, and Borno

Published

3 weeks ago

October 2, 2024

Bassey Marshall

The Federal Government has announced that Lagos, Kano, and Borno will be the next states that will benefit from its subsidized rice program aimed at addressing economic hardship in the country.

The initiative aims to sell a 50kg bag of rice for ₦40,000.

According to a director at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, plans are already underway to roll out the food subsidy program in these states.

Investors King learned that since the launch of the subsidized rice program in September, only civil servants in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have benefited from it.

However, the director revealed that the government is ready for the next phase of the program, which will help address growing food insecurity in Nigeria.

The source disclosed that the next phase, set to begin shortly, is part of a broader strategy by President Tinubu’s administration to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.

The official also dismissed reports that the sale of subsidized rice has been suspended in Abuja, clarifying that the intervention is still in its early stages.

According to him, while the ministry is actively coordinating with other states, sales are ongoing in Abuja.

“As I speak to you now, we are about to activate sales in Lagos and Kano states, with Borno State also set to be addressed,” the agriculture ministry official stated.

“We’ve barely started; how can we stop? Sales are ongoing, and we are actively engaging with other states,” he added.

Commodities

Osun Government Seals Off Gold Mining Company For Allegedly Evading Tax

Published

3 weeks ago

September 30, 2024

Ugwoke Ogbodo

The Osun State Government said it has sealed up the business premises of Segilola Resources Operating Limited over alleged tax evasion.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Monday, said the action followed a court order permitting the state to seal the company for “various flagrant tax violations and failure to disclose fully the employees directly and indirectly involved in its business activities, obstruction of tax processes by failing to provide timely tax information and documents.”

“Segilola Resources Operating Limited is one of the major companies carrying out mining activities and mineral exploration in the State as a subsidiary of Thors Explorations Limited listed on London and Toronto Stock Exchanges.

“After a series of demands, meetings, consultations, and engagements, the company still remained adamant and remorseless in its tax evasion and other violations. The Attorney-General of Osun State approached the court and consequently obtained an Order of the Court to seal up the Company until the due sum calculated from 2019 to 2023 is fully liquidated into the Osun State Government Account.

“The state notes with regret that while some companies make billions of naira in the state, especially in the mining sector, they are not ready to give the state its lawful dues.

“While the issue of shareholding values due to the acquisition of Osun state interest in Tropical Mines is purely commercial, we will continue to hold the company responsible for all its actions,” he said.

Recall that the gold mining company, in a statement by its Country Manager, Austin Menegbo, had denied the allegations by the state government, claiming that it has consistently demonstrated a commitment to being a law-abiding, transparent corporate entity, fulfilling all tax obligations and royalty payments in full and on time.