Chocolate and cocoa products market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for chocolate and cocoa products in Northern Africa expanded significantly between 2018 and 2023. In volume terms, the total market size grew from 38 733 t to 70 527 t, peaking at 74 095 t in 2021. This growth was underpinned by a strong increase in domestic production, which more than doubled from 15 951 t to 43 145 t over the period, while import volumes also rose overall despite some annual fluctuations.

The market's value demonstrated even more pronounced growth, rising from $159.9 million to $386.0 million. The consistent expansion in production capacity and the sustained import demand contributed to this upward trajectory. After 2021, the physical market volume saw a slight moderation, yet the market value continued to climb, indicating a potential shift in product mix or pricing within the region.

Throughout the period, the growth in local output was a key feature, with production volumes increasing steadily each year except for a minor dip in 2021. The overall supply to the market remained robust, supporting the sector's substantial increase in total worth.

Production chocolate and cocoa products in Northern Africa

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 Northern Africa has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 28 133 tonnes of these products, marking a 30.2% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 76.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 15 951 tonnes. That year also saw the smallest decline of 0.1%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with production jumping by 35.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Northern Africa's chocolate and cocoa products production has risen in value for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 162.1 million US dollars, which is 30.0% higher than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 73.2%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 20.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 92.2 million US dollars, when it declined by 1.5%. The most significant increase happened in 2019, with a 35.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports chocolate and cocoa products from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, chocolate and cocoa products exports from Northern Africa declined. In 2020, export volume amounted to 29 832 tonnes, representing a significant decrease of 16.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports overall increased by 43.6%, with an annualized rate of 12.8%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 35 909 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 41.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner landscape for chocolate and cocoa products in kind was diverse. Saudi Arabia accounted for 20.7% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 9.7%, and Jordan for 6.7%, together making up only 37.0% of total flows. The remaining 63.0% was distributed among many other countries, indicating a wide spread of trade partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of increase, Northern Africa's chocolate and cocoa products exports in value terms declined. In 2020, the region exported 171.9 million US dollars worth of these products, down by 17.1% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 41.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 207.3 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 41.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country breakdown of exports in value terms remained scattered. Saudi Arabia contributed 23.7% of exports, the United Arab Emirates 11.0%, and Jordan 7.1%, together accounting for just 41.8% of total flows. No single partner emerged as clearly dominant, reflecting a diversified export market.

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

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

Imports chocolate and cocoa products to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year uptick, chocolate and cocoa products imports into Northern Africa declined. In 2020, the region imported approximately 65 442 tonnes, showing a modest decrease of 5.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 51.7%, with an annualized rate of 14.9%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 69 206 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 43.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, chocolate and cocoa products were imported into Northern Africa from many countries. Even the largest sources—Turkey, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates—together represented only 44.0% of total imports in kind, highlighting a broad supplier base.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of gains, Northern Africa's chocolate and cocoa products imports in value terms declined. In 2020, import volume reached 288.1 million US dollars, which is 3.0% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 62.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 17.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 296.8 million US dollars, when imports rose by 38.7%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Italy accounted for 17.0% of imports in value terms, Turkey for 15.0%, and the United Arab Emirates for 9.5%. While their role as suppliers was notable, it was not dominant, as their combined share reached only 41.4% of total imports, indicating a diversified import structure.

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

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