Chocolate and cocoa products market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the chocolate and cocoa products market in MENA expanded consistently, primarily fueled by shifting consumer preferences. Initial growth in 2018 was supported by rising demand for high-cocoa content chocolate due to its perceived health benefits. The market broadened in 2019 with the introduction of new premium, dark, and organic varieties. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowing production in 2020, major players like Barry Callebaut invested in dairy-free chocolate lines to meet modern demand. The entry of new competitors with vegan offerings, such as Galaxy Vegan, alongside increased use of cocoa powder in various applications, further stimulated the market in 2021. A significant surge occurred in 2022, driven by consumer trends towards adventurous cooking experiences, sustainable products, and a growing appetite for premium chocolate.

The market dynamic shifted in 2023 due to a severe supply-side crisis. Adverse weather conditions, including irregular rainfall and droughts in West Africa, drastically reduced cocoa harvests. This shortage led to a sharp increase in raw material prices, higher production costs, and the shutdown of some processing facilities. Consequently, the market volume in physical terms declined, although its value in monetary terms rose as higher prices were passed on to consumers.

Throughout the period, digitalization and sustainability trends reshaped the market landscape. The expansion of e-commerce distribution channels, notably in 2022, improved product accessibility. Furthermore, the growing influence of environmental advocates and sustained demand for organic products encouraged innovation, exemplified by Barry Callebaut's launch of its specialized MALEO cocoa powder to meet evolving market requests.

Production chocolate and cocoa products in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of chocolate and cocoa products, 2017-2020

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

Chocolate and cocoa products production in the MENA region has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 47 574 tonnes, marking a significant 10.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 27.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.3%.

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

Exports chocolate and cocoa products from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, MENA's cross-border shipments of chocolate and cocoa products totaled 86.6 thousand tonnes, up 3.2% from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 20.8%, with an average annual decline of 7.5%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 83.9 thousand tonnes, while the peak was in 2018 at 124.2 thousand tonnes. The largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 32.5% decrease, and the biggest gain was in 2018 with a 13.7% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan (4.2% of exports in kind), Afghanistan (2.6%), and the United States (2.3%) were among the top buyers of chocolate and cocoa products from MENA. Together, they accounted for just 9.1% of total exports in kind, highlighting a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, MENA's chocolate and cocoa products exports declined in 2020, amounting to 814 million US dollars, a 6.4% year-on-year reduction. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 28.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 870 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 30.0% rise.

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

The country composition of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was highly dispersed. Pakistan (3.9% of exports in value terms), Afghanistan (2.7%), and the United States (2.6%) together formed just 9.1% of total flows, with the remaining 90.9% distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports chocolate and cocoa products to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year increase, chocolate and cocoa products deliveries to MENA declined in 2020, with imports amounting to 440.7 thousand tonnes, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 12.3%, with an average annual rate of 3.9%. The maximum value was in 2019 at 441.6 thousand tonnes, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 6.8% rise.

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

During 2017-2020, imports in kind of chocolate and cocoa products to MENA were spread relatively evenly. Turkey (20.3% of imports in kind), Russia (7.8%), and Italy (7.6%) jointly accounted for only 35.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year rise, chocolate and cocoa products volumes in MENA declined in 2020, with imports coming to 2 179 million US dollars, a drop of 13.8% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 527 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 11.3% gain.

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

The analysis of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. Turkey (11.8% of imports in value terms), Italy (9.4%), and Russia (7.2%) together accounted for only 28.5% of total flows, with a significant 71.5% falling on other partners.

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

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