Ivory Coast has officially begun its intermediate cocoa marketing campaign on March 1, one month earlier than initially scheduled. This decision was largely influenced by the crisis affecting the cocoa sector, where many tons of cocoa beans remained unsold during the main marketing season. The guaranteed minimum price for Ivorian cocoa, set at 2,800 CFA francs per kilogram, is more than 60% above the global market price, leading to expectations of a price drop. Producers are hoping that this adjusted campaign will allow them to sell their unsold products.

The cocoa industry in Ivory Coast is facing significant challenges, primarily due to the unsustainable minimum pricing model that has alienated buyers and hindered sales. Despite the initially attractive pricing for producers, it has become more of a burden than a benefit, as many farmers are left with excess stock that they cannot sell. Farmers like Stéphane, who works near Daloa, believe that while the price was favorable at first, it is now detrimental as it has deterred buyers from purchasing Ivorian cocoa. With the new campaign starting early, farmers are eager to move their products and potentially adjust their strategies for selling.

This early start to the marketing campaign reflects broader issues within the global cocoa market, where fluctuations in pricing affect local economies significantly. Farmers are looking for ways to adapt to the changing market dynamics, as continuous high pricing may render their products uncompetitive on an international scale. The hopes are that with a revised marketing strategy, production and sales can better align, ultimately stabilizing the economy for farmers relying on cocoa as a primary source of income.