date:Apr 22, 2013
North American cocoa bean grindings in the January-March quarter increased 5.8% from the same period in 2012, surprising the trade after analysts had anticipated a decrease.
The National Confectioners Association said 125,887 tonnes of cocoa beans were ground at 17 North American plants in the first quarter of 2013, up 6,865 tonnes, or 5.8%, from 119,022 tonnes in the first quarter of 2012.
The trade expressed surprise at the number after analysts had anticipated grind 2% below the year-ago pe