Chocolate and cocoa products market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for chocolate and cocoa products in Croatia increased from 32 171 metric tons to 33 185 metric tons, reaching a peak in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to lockdowns that closed restaurants, hotels, and food service outlets, reducing chocolate sales in the foodservice sector. Consumer trends during this period shifted towards chocolates with higher cocoa content, vegan options, and premium artisanal products, diversifying the market offering.

After 2020, market volume declined, falling sharply to 27 011 metric tons in 2022. This drop coincided with price increases for cocoa due to higher costs in major producing countries Ghana and Ivory Coast, making chocolate products less affordable. In 2023, the market partially recovered to 28 878 metric tons, supported by the expansion of e-commerce channels and sustained demand for premium and ethically sourced chocolates. By 2024, volume stabilized at 28 401 metric tons, while demand for cocoa powder in bakery and confectionery applications continued to rise.

Production chocolate and cocoa products in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Croatia's chocolate and cocoa products production experienced a decline in value after two consecutive years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 127.4 million US dollars, but by 2020, it had fallen to 116.8 million US dollars, marking an 8.3% decrease from the previous year. The most significant annual increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia ranked as the 20th largest producer of chocolate and cocoa products globally by volume.

Top producers of chocolate and cocoa products, 2017-2020

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

After two years of growth, Croatia's chocolate and cocoa products production volume declined. In 2019, output peaked at 25,150 tonnes, but in 2020, it dropped to 23,633 tonnes, a 6.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production increased by 6.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.0%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 7.6%.

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

Exports chocolate and cocoa products from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Croatia's exports of chocolate and cocoa products by volume declined. In 2019, exports reached their highest point at 32,323 tonnes, but in 2020, they fell to 31,387 tonnes, a slight decrease of 2.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 32.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%. The most substantial annual increase occurred in 2019, at 21.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Slovenia were consistently the top destinations for Croatia's chocolate and cocoa products exports by volume. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 23.6% of exports, Serbia for 19.8%, and Slovenia for 17.4%. Together, these three countries represented 60.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of Croatia's chocolate and cocoa products exports declined. In 2019, exports peaked at 191.9 million US dollars, but in 2020, they decreased to 177.8 million US dollars, a 7.4% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 37.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 11.1%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2018, at 21.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Germany remained the primary buyers of Croatia's chocolate and cocoa products by value. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 20.2% of exports, while Serbia and Germany each represented 17.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 55.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports chocolate and cocoa products to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

Croatia's imports of chocolate and cocoa products by volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 40,940 tonnes, a slight rise of 1.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 27.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Poland consistently led as the top sources for Croatia's chocolate and cocoa products imports by volume. Germany accounted for 36.0% of imports, Austria for 21.6%, and Poland for 10.9%. Together, these three countries represented 68.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Croatia's imports of chocolate and cocoa products by value increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 178.1 million US dollars, a modest gain of 4.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 23.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Poland formed the core of Croatia's chocolate and cocoa products imports by value. Germany accounted for 40.8% of imports, Austria for 17.2%, and Poland for 8.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 66.9% of total import flows.

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

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