SOFTS — Arabica coffee hits one — month high as stocks remain critically low

LONDON, Oct 16 (Reuters) — Arabica coffee futures on ICE rallied to a one-month high on Friday as market participants grew nervous that critically low exchange stocks will not be replenished as soon as previously expected. Coffee Arabica coffee was up 4.7% to $3.0855 per lb at 1031 GMT​​​​, heading for gains of 7.5% for the week. It earlier hit a one-month high of $3.1130. ICE certified stocks were last at 238,976 bags, not far off last month's 27-year-low of 217,646 bags. Market participants are growing nervous that supplies from top grower Brazil will not arrive at ICE warehouses ahead of the December contract expiry, leaving stocks critically low, dealers said. Coffee is also being boosted by concerns that the El Nino weather event will curb top grower Brazil's output next year, and by the recent strength of Brazil's real currency. Robusta coffee rose 3.2% to $3,473 a ton. The harvest in top grower Vietnam is getting underway and industry participants expect output will be roughly steady versus last year, though El Nino conditions are set to hurt the 2027/28 crop. Cocoa London cocoa ​fell 1.3% to £4,433 per metric ton, after setting a 1-1/2 month high on Wednesday of £4,640. Coc