Chocolate and cocoa products market in Kenya

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for chocolate and cocoa products in Kenya showed considerable volatility between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 3 272 т in 2018, it grew to a peak of 3 820 т the following year before contracting sharply to 2 167 т in 2020.

A partial recovery followed, with the market volume reaching 2 607 т in 2021 and stabilizing near 2 587 т in 2022. The volume then declined to 2 346 т in 2023. However, during that year, the market's value increased by 19% to $165 million, ending a multi-year downtrend in value terms, which pointed to a shift towards higher-value product segments.

In 2024, the market environment was influenced by several key developments. Government initiatives included supplying cocoa seedlings to farmers in 17 counties to bolster domestic production. Legislative proposals, such as the Agricultural Professionals Registration and Licensing Bill 2024, introduced stricter controls on agricultural inputs. Consumer demand increasingly favored premium, sustainable, and ethically sourced chocolate, with local players like The Chocolate Bar focusing on bean-to-bar production and fair trade. Furthermore, global supply chains were affected by cocoa price fluctuations stemming from political instability and adverse weather in West Africa.

Production chocolate and cocoa products in Kenya

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

Top producers of chocolate and cocoa products, 2017-2020

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

In 2019, Kenya's production of chocolate and cocoa products experienced its largest decline, dropping by 25.9%. However, production rebounded in 2020, reaching 47 670 kg, which represents a 10.1% increase compared to 2019. The peak production occurred in 2018 at 58 410 kg, marking a substantial 35.9% rise from the previous year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Exports chocolate and cocoa products from Kenya

Exports in kind, t

Kenya's exports of chocolate and cocoa products have been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports totaled 220 t, showing a sharp decrease of 21.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 57.4%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 24.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya's exports in kind were distributed among a diverse range of partners. The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounted for 15.1% of exports, Uganda for 14.0%, and Rwanda for 13.8%. Together, these three countries made up 42.9% of total exports, while the remaining 57.1% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Kenya's exports of chocolate and cocoa products in value terms amounted to 1 505 K $ US, reflecting a significant decline of 39.2% compared to 2019. The largest increase during this period was recorded in 2019, with a 5.3% rise. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 42%, equating to an average annual decline of 16.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main buyers of Kenyan chocolate and cocoa products in value terms were Bunkers, with 9.8% of exports, Uganda at 8.2%, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 4.9%. Together, these three accounted for 22.9% of total exports, highlighting a broad distribution among many smaller partners.

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

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

Imports chocolate and cocoa products to Kenya

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Kenya's imports of chocolate and cocoa products in kind declined in 2020. Imports totaled 2 339 t, representing a steep fall of 42.3% from the previous year. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 057 t, which also saw the largest increase of 15.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 28.2%, with an average annual decline of 10.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt was the largest source of Kenya's imports in kind, accounting for 41.3%, followed by South Africa at 22.3%, and Turkey at 9.1%. Together, these three countries supplied 72.8% of total imports, making them the primary sources.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of gains, Kenya's imports of chocolate and cocoa products in value terms declined in 2020. Imports amounted to 12 305 K $ US, which is 37.7% lower than in 2019. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 19 738 K $ US, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 26.7%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 3.9%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 1.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Egypt led Kenya's imports in value terms with 36.8%, followed by South Africa at 28.2%, and Switzerland at 6.4%. These three countries together accounted for 71.5% of total imports, playing a dominant role in the import structure.

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

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