Critical Reasoning

Supply shortages and signs of growing demand are driving cocoa prices upward. Unusually severe weather in cocoa-producing regions-too much rain in Brazil and too little in West Africa-has limited production. Further, Europe and North America recently reported stronger demand for cocoa. In the first quarter, grinding of cocoa beans-the first stage in processing cocoa for chocolate-rose 8.1 percent in Europe and 16 percent in North America. Analysts have concluded that cocoa's price will continue to rise at least into the near future.

Which of the following would, if true, most strengthen the reasoning above?

A. Ground cocoa beans can be stored for long periods before they spoil.
B. Several European and North American manufacturers that use cocoa have recently improved their processing capacity.
C. It takes new cocoa trees five or six years before they start bearing fruit.
D. Governments in Europe and North America are likely to change current restrictions on cocoa imports.
E. Historically, cocoa production has varied widely from year to year.

C

Source: Official Guide 2020