SOFTS — Cocoa futures climb on West Africa crop concerns

LONDON, Oct 14 (Reuters) — London cocoa futures rose sharply on Wednesday, climbing back up towards the prior session's one-month high, supported by concerns that dry weather could curb production in West Africa this season. Cocoa London cocoa rose 3.6% to £4,445 per metric ton by 1042 GMT. The market has risen on Tuesday to a one-month high of £4,466. Dealers said dry weather in Ivory Coast and parts of Ghana had contributed to the run-up in prices, heightening concerns about the impact of an El Nino weather event on crops. They noted third quarter cocoa grind data should provide a short-term focus. Reports covering both Europe and North America are due to be issued on Thursday. New York cocoa gained 3.75% to $5,948 a ton Coffee Arabica coffee rose 1% to $2.95650 per lb Dealers said the market was supported partly by concerns that an El Nino event will curb global production in the 2027/28 season The recent strength of Brazil's real currency, linked to the growing expectations that Flavio Bolsonaro will be elected president after his victory in the first round, has also boosted dollar-denominated prices A strong real reduces the incentive for farmers in Brazil to sell their coffee