Chocolate and cocoa products market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for chocolate and cocoa products in China grew from 40 thousand tons in 2018 to 90 thousand tons in 2021. This expansion was supported by the spread of chocolate applications into new segments such as beverages and baking from 2018 onward. The increased presence of global manufacturers like Barry Callebaut and Nestlé in 2019 contributed to product innovation and supply chain improvements. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Chinese demand remained resilient, and the first export of Hainan cocoa to Belgium demonstrated rising quality of domestic raw material. By 2021, consumer interest had shifted toward healthier options with low sugar and no additives, prompting both local and international brands to launch new products.

Market volume fell sharply to 44 thousand tons in 2022, while industry focus remained on supply chain development and sustainable cocoa sourcing from West Africa. By 2023, volume stabilized at 40 thousand tons, while the market value rose to $299.8 million, reflecting a steady trend toward premium and specialized offerings. Manufacturers responded with launches of products containing nuts and dried fruits, as well as a rise of craft brands, with digital marketing becoming a key tool to engage younger consumers.

By 2024, the industry continued to move toward higher quality, highlighted by the global debut of Hainan-developed cocoa beans and liquor. Sales continued to cluster around major holidays and promotional events, and consumers increasingly demanded transparency regarding health attributes and ingredient origin. Chocolate and cocoa products maintained a significant share in segments like beverages, baking, and ice cream, underpinning steady demand.

Production chocolate and cocoa products in China

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, China ranked 28th globally in chocolate and cocoa products production, positioning it among the world's leading producers during this period.

Top producers of chocolate and cocoa products, 2017-2020

World map of production of chocolate and cocoa products, 2017-2020

China's chocolate and cocoa products production declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 11 914 tonnes. This represented an 8.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 4.3%, with an annualized decline of 1.5%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 17 348 tonnes, which saw a 39.4% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 24.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of China's chocolate and cocoa products production also declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 61 272 thousand US dollars. This marked an 11.8% reduction from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 9.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 91 890 thousand US dollars, which saw a 35.9% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 24.4% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports chocolate and cocoa products from China

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, China's chocolate and cocoa products exports declined in 2020, totaling 53.4 thousand tonnes. This represented a substantial 14.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 8%, with an annualized decline of 2.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 62.1 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 6.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China's chocolate and cocoa products exports were distributed across a wide range of markets. The top three destinations—the Philippines (12.7% of exports in volume), Hong Kong (11.3%), and Australia (10.5%)—together accounted for 34.4% of total exports. The remaining 65.6% was spread among numerous smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of gains, the value of China's chocolate and cocoa products exports declined in 2020, reaching 274.8 million US dollars. This represented a 17.0% year-on-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 12.9%, with an annualized decline of 4.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 331.1 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 4.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, China's chocolate and cocoa products exports in value terms showed a broad distribution across markets. The top three destinations—Hong Kong (21.4% of exports in value), South Korea (12.6%), and Australia (8.3%)—together accounted for 42.3% of total flows, with the remaining 57.7% distributed among other partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020

Imports chocolate and cocoa products to China

Imports in kind, K t

China's chocolate and cocoa products imports increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 109.6 thousand tonnes. This marked an 8.7% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 101.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 26.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017-2020, Russia (29.3% of imports in volume), Malaysia (12.7%), and Italy (11.6%) formed the core of China's chocolate and cocoa products imports, together accounting for 53.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of China's chocolate and cocoa products imports increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 485.8 million US dollars. This level was similar to the previous year, showing minimal change compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 38.8%, with an annualized increase of 11.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

An analysis of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. The top three sources—Italy (20.0% of imports in value), Russia (14.1%), and Belgium (12.0%)—together accounted for 46.1% of total flows, while the remaining 53.9% came from other trading partners.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020