Chocolate and cocoa products market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Estonian chocolate market volume grew from 12.4 thousand t to 12.6 thousand t, while its value showed more volatility. The period began with the implementation of strict national composition and labeling rules for chocolate, setting a minimum 25% cocoa content and limiting non-cocoa vegetable fats to 5%. This regulatory framework helped define product quality. Consumer preferences concurrently shifted towards artisanal and higher-quality chocolate, with brands like Chocolala and Chocokoo expanding this segment. A growing focus on the health benefits of dark chocolate and the origin of raw materials further supported demand, contributing to the market's recovery in volume after a slight dip in 2019.

From 2022 onward, global supply chain factors became the primary market driver. Drought in West Africa severely impacted global cocoa supplies, leading to a sharp increase in cocoa bean prices worldwide. This cost pressure was directly felt in Estonia, causing chocolate prices to rise significantly. Producers adapted by slightly reducing product sizes and adjusting production volumes. Despite these rising costs, consumer interest in premium and craft chocolate remained strong, supported by EU initiatives promoting sustainable cocoa production. These combined factors led to a notable expansion in market value to 127.8 million $ US by 2024, even as the physical volume contracted to 12.1 thousand t that year, reflecting the shift towards higher-value products.

Production chocolate and cocoa products in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's chocolate and cocoa products production has rebounded after two years of contraction. In 2021, output reached 61 065 thousand US dollars, marking a 7.8% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production declined by 3.6%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.2%. The lowest point was in 2020, with production valued at 56 622 thousand US dollars, when the sector experienced its most significant drop of 7.2%.

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

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

Estonia's chocolate and cocoa products production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 6 807 tonnes, representing a 5.6% increase from the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 12.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.0%.

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

Exports chocolate and cocoa products from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Estonia's exports of chocolate and cocoa products reached 4 011 tonnes, a substantial 27.9% increase compared to the year before. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 40.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.1%. The most notable decline occurred in 2020, when exports fell by 6.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Latvia, Finland, and Russia were the top destinations for Estonia's chocolate and cocoa products exports by volume. Latvia accounted for 61.9% of exports, Finland for 13.4%, and Russia for 6.5%. Together, these three markets made up 81.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, the value of Estonia's chocolate and cocoa products exports amounted to 19 707 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong 22.9% rise from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 27.6%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The largest decrease was recorded in 2020, with a drop of 7.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia, Finland, and Russia remained the key markets for Estonia's chocolate and cocoa products exports in value terms. Collectively, they accounted for 80.1% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Imports chocolate and cocoa products to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

Estonia's imports of chocolate and cocoa products have turned upward after two years of decline. In 2021, imports totaled 9 843 tonnes, a 9.7% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 7.7%, averaging an annual growth of 2.5%. The lowest volume was in 2020, at 8 974 tonnes, when imports saw their largest decrease of 1.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Estonia's imports of chocolate and cocoa products by volume featured a diverse partner portfolio. Poland led with 13.9% of imports, followed by Finland at 12.4% and Sweden at 11.2%. Together, these three countries represented 37.5% of total import flows, indicating a broad distribution among many suppliers.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Estonia's imports of chocolate and cocoa products have recovered after a two-year decrease. In 2021, imports reached 60 107 thousand US dollars, a robust 19.5% increase from the year before. Over the 2018 to 2021 period, imports grew by 5.7%, with an average annual rate of 1.8%. The lowest value was in 2020, at 50 290 thousand US dollars, when imports experienced their most significant decline of 7.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Poland, Finland, and Sweden were the largest suppliers of chocolate and cocoa products to Estonia in value terms. Poland accounted for 16.5% of imports, Finland for 13.6%, and Sweden for 9.0%. Together, they made up 39.1% of total import value, highlighting a competitive market with numerous smaller partners.

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

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