Chocolate and cocoa products market in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for chocolate and cocoa products in Eastern Europe grew from 1.3 million tonnes in 2018 to 1.44 million tonnes in 2023. This expansion was initially driven by a sharp increase in domestic production, with output rising over 50% year-on-year, indicating new players entering the market and significant capacity expansion. Consumer perception of chocolate as a healthy treat due to high cocoa content supported steady sales growth throughout the period.

In value terms, the market surged from $7.0 billion to $9.8 billion, with notable jumps in 2021 and 2023. Starting in 2022, crop failures in West Africa disrupted cocoa bean supplies, pushing up raw material costs. Combined with a weakening ruble, this led to higher chocolate prices. Producers adapted by reducing cocoa content, using substitute fats, and cutting portion sizes, while segments like white chocolate and cocoa-free confectionery gained popularity.

The market's structure evolved with the emergence of new segments, including those with high cocoa content. Simultaneously, rising costs prompted a shift toward cocoa-free alternatives, which grew 10-15% in 2023, reflecting changing consumption patterns under sustained price inflation and revived domestic demand.

Production chocolate and cocoa products in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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, chocolate and cocoa products production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) declined. In 2020, the region produced 1 463.8 K t, showing a slight decrease of 1.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 8.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 480.1 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Chocolate and cocoa products production value in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 7 838 M $ US, reflecting a slight rise of 1.0% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 7.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports chocolate and cocoa products from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Exports in kind, K t

Chocolate and cocoa products exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 781.9 K t, representing a controlled uptick of 6.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 31.6%, with a CAGR of 9.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, chocolate and cocoa products from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) were traded with numerous countries. The top destinations—the United Kingdom, Germany, and Kazakhstan—together accounted for only 25.8% of total exports in volume terms, indicating a diversified export market.

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

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Chocolate and cocoa products shipments from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) to abroad increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 4 187 M $ US, marking an 8.4% advance over 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 30.5%, with a CAGR of 9.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of chocolate and cocoa products from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) were not heavily concentrated. Germany (13.8% of exports), the United Kingdom (10.2%), and Kazakhstan (3.9%) together captured only 27.9% of total flows, reflecting a broad distribution across trading partners.

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

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020

Imports chocolate and cocoa products to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, chocolate and cocoa products imports into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) stood at 625.2 K t, showing a strong increase of 12.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 19%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 0.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (29.0% of imports in volume), Belgium (6.5%), and Italy (6.4%) were the largest suppliers of chocolate and cocoa products to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia). However, their combined contribution was limited to 41.9% of total imports, highlighting a diversified import structure.

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

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Chocolate and cocoa products imports into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 3 335 M $ US, marking a small advance of 2.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 21.7%, with a CAGR of 6.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of chocolate and cocoa products to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) were widely dispersed across partner countries. Germany (33.9% of imports), Italy (7.6%), and Belgium (6.7%) together represented only 48.2% of total flows, indicating a varied sourcing pattern.

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

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020