Grinders to weather the storm despite high cost.

(From Business Times (Malaysia))

Byline: Zaidi Isham Ismail

WORLD'S cocoa prices, which have surged to a 15-year high, have melted 10 local grinders' profits but not to the extent of crushing their business to a pulp.

Malaysian Cocoa Board director general Dr Azhar Ismail said contrary to a news report, these grinders will continue with their business although operating at a very high cost.

"Grinding operations are slowing down with the less efficient ones more likely to feel the pinch," Azhar told Business Times in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Azhar, however, couldn't specify the reduced profits, operating costs as well as the …