There is a high demand for cocoa beans locally, it said in a report.
This due to a marginal crop failure during the year. Due to limited availability of cocoa beans, the confectionary industry might import cocoa beans to meet their requirements.
The main cropping areas are in Malawana and Hapugastanne in the central hills.
Cocoa prices had been around 340 350 rupees a kilo in late May and 305-330 rupees in mid-March and as low as 270-290 rupees a kilo in early January and late December, according to SAPPTA market reports.
In early June last year prices had been around 250-270 rupees a kilo of cocoa beans for the three main grades.
Sri Lanka™s cocoa crop has been limited owing to neglect of plantations when prices had been low and the trade has been trying to encourage small farmers and plantations compani