We closely monitor global commodity markets.
Hazelnuts, almonds, sugar, cocoa beans, cocoa butter, vanilla, sultanas and much more – in short: food commodities shape the daily business of Fairtrade SA.
As a qualified partner, Fairtrade offers a comprehensive range of services, from contract handling and logistics to customs clearance and ongoing quality control of products. Its clients include chocolate and biscuit manufacturers, producers of semi-finished goods, large-scale distributors, trading companies and beverage manufacturers.
This highly dynamic industry requires not only a well-functioning global network of relationships, but also a keen sense and the experience to draw the right conclusions from current global developments. In other words, sourcing high-quality goods at the best possible price and at the right time. Fairtrade continuously monitors the commodity markets and identifies new products and suppliers that meet its high quality standards.
Concerns over an exceptionally strong El Niño are, among other factors, driving prices up on the cocoa exchanges. However, the market conditions differ from the last boom in 2023:
• Global supply from the 2025/26 harvest initially recovered.
• Côte d’Ivoire (the most significant exporting country) accounts for the largest share of the current recovery.
• but: The recovery for Ghana, the second most important exporter, is expected to be short-lived.
• and: The next Ivorian main harvest is also starting later and looks to be weaker.
• Ecuador is gaining structural importance, slightly reducing the reliance on West Africa.
Our conclusion: The next two months will reveal whether the current price levels are driven by over-nervousness, or if the market is truly anticipating tight supply for the 2026/27 harvest.
