题目选项分析

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 forchocolate-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?

【选项】Ground cocoa beans can be stored for long periods before they spoil.