Chocolate and cocoa products market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

The Australian chocolate market opened the period at a volume of 37 thousand tons in 2018, buoyed by growing consumer preference for premium, artisanal, and ethically certified products. However, by 2020, volume had fallen to 28 thousand tons, with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting traditional consumption patterns and supply chains.

After dipping to 23 thousand tons in 2021, the market rebounded to 31 thousand tons by 2023. This recovery was fueled by sustained demand in the premium and functional chocolate segments, as well as significant industry moves toward sustainability, including Mars Australia's commitment to Fairtrade certification for all its chocolate products by 2025.

In the following years, record global cocoa prices increased production costs, leading companies to adjust packaging and pricing strategies. Consumer interest continued to favor dark, organic, and vegan options, while stricter labeling regulations and food safety requirements shaped manufacturer operations.

Production chocolate and cocoa products in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of chocolate and cocoa products, 2018-2021

World map of production of chocolate and cocoa products, 2018-2021

After two years of decline, Australia's production of chocolate and cocoa products increased in 2021. The country produced 2 721 tonnes, marking a 2.3% year-on-year gain. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 14.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 2 661 tonnes, while the sharpest decline occurred in 2019 with a 14.5% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Australia's chocolate and cocoa products production increased for the second consecutive year in 2021. The output was valued at 11 966 thousand US dollars, representing a 0.8% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 14.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 11 290 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 19.7%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the biggest increase at 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports chocolate and cocoa products from Australia

Exports in kind, t

Australia's exports of chocolate and cocoa products increased for the third consecutive year in 2021. The export volume reached 59 036 tonnes, showing a significant 13.1% rise from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 32.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, New Zealand, Japan, and Malaysia were the primary buyers of Australian chocolate and cocoa products by volume. New Zealand accounted for 41.4% of exports, Japan for 15.8%, and Malaysia for 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented 69.0% of total export volumes.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Australia's exports of chocolate and cocoa products increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 259.6 million US dollars. This marked a robust 11.5% rise from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 31%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand, Japan, and Malaysia formed the core of Australia's chocolate and cocoa products exports by value. New Zealand accounted for 45.1% of export value, Japan for 14.6%, and Malaysia for 7.6%. Collectively, these three markets represented 67.3% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports chocolate and cocoa products to Australia

Imports in kind, t

Australia imported 84 715 tonnes of chocolate and cocoa products in 2021, representing a slight 2.3% increase from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 77 278 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 84 715 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with an 8.8% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 7.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Australia's import sources for chocolate and cocoa products by volume were quite diverse. Germany accounted for 14.9% of imports, Italy for 12.1%, and Singapore for 12.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 39.0% of total import volumes, indicating a broad partner portfolio.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, Australia's imports of chocolate and cocoa products increased in 2021. Import value reached 496.4 million US dollars, equivalent to a 7.4% improvement from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 462.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Italy, and the United States played notable but not dominant roles as suppliers of chocolate and cocoa products to Australia by value. Germany accounted for 18.0% of import value, Italy for 13.2%, and the United States for 9.6%. Their combined share reached only 40.7% of total import value, reflecting a diversified supplier base.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021