
September ICE NY cocoa (CCU24) on Thursday closed up +519 (+6.43%), and September ICE London cocoa #7 (CAU24) closed up +347 (+5.19%).
Cocoa prices Thursday rallied sharply to 2-week highs. Signs of strong cocoa demand, despite record-high prices, are propelling cocoa prices higher. The European Cocoa Association reported Thursday that Q2 European cocoa grindings unexpectedly rose +4.1% y/y to 357,502 MT, versus expectations of a -2% y/y decline. London cocoa Thursday failed to rally as sharply as NY cocoa after the British pound (^GBPUSD) rallied to an 11-1/2 month high. The stronger pound undercuts cocoa priced in terms of sterling.