Nigeria, July 10 -- Persistent rain across West Africa has disrupted cocoa-growing areas, slowed the transfer of harvested pods, and raised concerns about black pod disease-a fungal disease that can destroy cocoa crops, The News Chronicle reports.

Traders are getting increasingly concerned that the 2026 and 2027 seasons' production will be greatly lowered by weather patterns.

Industry projections indicate Ivory Coast's next crop could come in below expectations, and Nigeria's cocoa output is already expected to drop by about 11% from the previous cycle. Predictions of a potential strong El Nino towards the end of the season have fueled fears about future harvests.

Analysts project cocoa prices to stay between $5,000 and $7,000 per met...