Chocolate and cocoa products market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Danish chocolate market expanded from 50 749 tons to 67 476 tons. High domestic consumption, with Danes being among the world's top per‑capita chocolate buyers, provided steady demand. In 2019, climate change and unsustainable farming practices in cocoa‑producing countries like Ghana raised cocoa prices, which likely contributed to a temporary dip in local production. At the same time, growing consumer focus on sustainability and ethics, including traceability and responsible sourcing, began shaping purchasing decisions and supported market growth. By 2021, the continued climate crisis kept cocoa prices elevated but also spurred interest in sustainable chocolate alternatives, adding new segments to the market.

A sharp production jump occurred in 2022, when output rose by over 15 000 tons to 43 596 tons, helping push the total market volume to 80 884 tons. This surge coincided with rising demand for organic and naturally‑grown chocolate, as well as the announced removal of the chocolate tax scheduled for 2026, which may have encouraged earlier production investments. After the 2022 peak, production eased to 38 692 tons in 2023 and market volume dipped to 75 144 tons, but both rebounded in 2024, reaching 46 292 tons of production and 86 489 tons of market size. Imports climbed steadily throughout the period, ensuring ample supply to meet Denmark’s strong chocolate appetite.

Production chocolate and cocoa products in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Denmark's chocolate and cocoa products production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 325.5 million US dollars, marking an 11.9% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 13.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 261.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Globally, Denmark ranked as the 19th largest producer of chocolate and cocoa products from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of chocolate and cocoa products, 2018-2021

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

Denmark's chocolate and cocoa products production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 27 993 tonnes, showing a 3.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 9.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 23 885 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 6.5%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 13.1% rise.

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

Exports chocolate and cocoa products from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Denmark's chocolate and cocoa products exports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 22 301 tonnes, representing a 4.6% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 21 018 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Sweden, and Poland were the leading destinations for Denmark's chocolate and cocoa products exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 38.2% of exports, Sweden for 18.9%, and Poland for 7.8%, together making up 64.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Denmark's chocolate and cocoa products export value has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 194.3 million US dollars, constituting a 21.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 156.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Sweden, and Norway led the structure of Denmark's chocolate and cocoa products exports in value terms. Germany accounted for 34.7% of exports, Sweden for 17.3%, and Norway for 12.0%, together representing 64.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports chocolate and cocoa products to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

Denmark's chocolate and cocoa products imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 61 785 tonnes, amounting to a robust 17.1% gain year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 31.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Sweden, and Belgium were the top suppliers of chocolate and cocoa products to Denmark in volume terms. Germany accounted for 25.1% of imports, Sweden for 21.3%, and Belgium for 18.6%, with their combined share reaching 65.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Denmark's chocolate and cocoa products import value has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 382.4 million US dollars, indicating a 16.4% uptick versus the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports rose by 27.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Sweden, and Belgium consistently remained the main sources for Denmark's chocolate and cocoa products imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 31.5% of imports, Sweden for 22.5%, and Belgium for 11.1%, together accounting for 65.1% of total import flows.

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

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