November cocoa grinding output hit 44,000 tonnes, up from 40,000 tonnes during the same month last year, the data showed.

The GEPEX data only covers six of the largest grinding companies, including, Barry Callebaut BARRY CALLEBAUT.BARN.S, Olam OLAM.SI and Cargill CARG.UL, among 12 active firms.

Ivory Coast is world's top cocoa producer and vies with the Netherlands for the top grinder spot.

West African nation has total grinding capacity of 712,000 tonnes but ground only 505,000 tonnes of beans last season.