We are thrilled to announce our latest collaboration with Commodities Risk Analysis LC, a leading provider of on-the-ground weather data and analysis for the cocoa industry. This exciting partnership brings CRA’s Cocoa Weather Report directly to Vesper, offering our users unparalleled insights into the critical factors that influence cocoa production globally.

Introducing the CRA Cocoa Weather Report on Vesper

Starting today, Vesper will publish CRA’s detailed “Weather in Cocoa Growing Areas” 2-3 times per month. This report is essential for anyone involved in the cocoa value chain, from producers to traders and beyond. The CRA Cocoa Weather Report covers key cocoa-producing regions, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Indonesia.

CRA leverages data from both rural and urban stations to provide precise and reliable rainfall measurements, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of how varying rainfall patterns impact crop development and soil moisture. This level of detail is crucial for optimising cocoa production, ensuring sustainability, and enhancing agricultural development transparency. Through its affiliate, Veriground LLC, CRA has created a unique weather station that can report from remote locations instead of being restricted to towns and airports. CRA uses more than 100 remote stations to support its analysis.

In addition to these reports, Vesper’s platform offers an array of cocoa intelligence resources. Users can access comprehensive pricing data on cocoa products—beans, butter, powder, and mass—covering both futures and forward prices in key global origins and destinations. Vesper also features expert market commentary from Martijn Bron, former Head of Cocoa Trading at Cargill, and AI-driven price forecasting models that predict cocoa prices up to six months ahead.

Why the CRA Cocoa Weather Report Matters

Cocoa production is deeply influenced by weather patterns, particularly rainfall. The CRA Cocoa Weather Report, backed by the expertise of Steven Haws, Matthew Haws, and Stephen Dunn in commodities and weather data analysis, combines raw data with forecasting to offer a higher granularity than public benchmarks. This makes the report an invaluable resource for anticipating market trends, adjusting to climate variations, and making informed decisions that contribute to the sustainability of the cocoa industry.

In 2024, we witnessed the critical importance of such insights as West Africa, which produces around 70% of the world’s cocoa, faced significant production declines due to the impact of the El Niño weather pattern. Excess rain during the growing season knocked flowers from branches and spread the black pod disease. The losses contributed to record-high cocoa prices. CRA’s careful analysis and unique access to detailed data helps stakeholders understand the weather’s impact on global cocoa supply, providing essential information for growers, traders, and others in the broader cocoa industry​.

Applications of Cocoa in Various Industries

Cocoa’s significance extends beyond just being a raw commodity; it plays a crucial role in several industries:

  • Chocolate Production: Cocoa is the key ingredient in chocolate, creating the rich, indulgent flavours that are beloved worldwide. Different types of chocolate vary in cocoa content, making the quality and type of cocoa used crucial to the end product.
  • Confectionery: Cocoa enhances a wide range of confectionery products, from candies to baked goods, providing depth and richness to flavours.
  • Ice Cream: Cocoa powder and chocolate are essential flavourings in chocolate ice creams, contributing to their signature taste.
  • Desserts: Cocoa lends its decadent flavour to cakes, puddings, mousses, and other delectable desserts, making it a staple ingredient in the dessert industry.
  • Infant Nutrition: Cocoa-based ingredients are used in specialized infant formulas and baby foods, adding nutritional value and flavour.
  • Sports Nutrition: Cocoa-derived products are popular in sports bars, drinks, and supplements, offering a natural and flavourful option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts​

Interested in Accessing CRA’s Cocoa Weather Report through Vesper?

Register for your free trial today to explore CRA’s Cocoa Weather Reports and gain the insights you need to navigate the complexities of the cocoa market. No credit card is required. Get started here.

Stay tuned as we continue to bring you valuable content that meets the evolving needs of the global commodities market.