It is estimated that in 2014 it will rise by another 14% due to growth in global demand, specifically generated in Asia.
An article by Bloomberg.com reports that "global cocoa stocks are on route to having the most prolonged deficit in more than 50 years as demand for chocolate soars in Asia."
Projections are that use of the grain will surpass production by about 70 thousand tons for 12 months from 1 October, and the deficit will remain until 2018. This is the longest period since records began in 1960, said the director of statistics from the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) in London, Laurent Pipitone.