Chocolate and cocoa products market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, South Africa's implementation of R638 food safety regulations established new hygiene standards for chocolate manufacturers. The following year, growing ethical concerns led local chocolatiers to reject cocoa linked to child labor, shifting consumer demand towards responsibly sourced products. These developments, alongside a sustained consumer trend towards premium and healthy chocolate, supported market expansion.

Market volume reached a peak of 63 571 t in 2021 after a temporary dip in 2020. The market's value also recovered strongly to 574.9 million US dollars in 2021, reflecting resilient demand despite broader economic challenges.

After 2021, market volume fell to 46 225 t in 2023, while its value rose to 414.5 million US dollars, indicating significant price increases. By 2024, severe cocoa bean shortages in West Africa due to adverse weather and disease led to a sharp global price surge. Major African processing facilities reduced capacity, and companies like Mondelez International and Nestlé reported supply challenges, while manufacturers responded with premium limited editions and a greater focus on transparent, healthy ingredients.

Production chocolate and cocoa products in SADC

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 SADC has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, SADC produced 15,136 tonnes of these products, marking a significant 10.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.4%.

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

Exports chocolate and cocoa products from SADC

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. In 2018, exports reached their highest point at 14,185 tonnes, but then fell sharply by 72.4% in 2019 to 3,915 tonnes. This created a peak-to-trough amplitude of 3.6 times between 2018 and 2019. In 2020, exports rebounded strongly, increasing by 72.8% to 6,766 tonnes compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 105.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of SADC's chocolate and cocoa products exports was highly diversified. Kenya accounted for 5.0% of exports in kind, Israel for 3.6%, and Hong Kong for 2.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 11.1% of total export flows, while the remaining 88.9% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Chocolate and cocoa products exports from SADC declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached $78.8 million, down by 0.8% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at $104.1 million, which saw a 30.0% increase. However, exports then fell by 23.7% in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, SADC's chocolate and cocoa products exports in value terms were not heavily concentrated. The British Virgin Islands accounted for 6.6% of exports in value terms, Israel for 6.1%, and Kenya for 5.2%. Combined, these three partners captured only 17.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports chocolate and cocoa products to SADC

Imports in kind, t

SADC's imports of chocolate and cocoa products declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 39,967 tonnes, representing an 8.0% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 50,221 tonnes, which saw an 8.8% increase. However, imports then fell by 13.5% in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 13.4%, with an average annual decline of 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of chocolate and cocoa products to SADC were widely dispersed across partner countries. Turkey accounted for 12.0% of imports in kind, Italy for 8.0%, and Belgium for 6.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 26.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

SADC's imports of chocolate and cocoa products declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to $179.9 million, which is 6.3% less than the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at $215.1 million, with a 10.6% increase. However, imports then fell by 10.8% in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 7.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 2.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and Belgium were among the largest suppliers of chocolate and cocoa products to SADC in value terms. Italy accounted for 13.9% of imports in value terms, Germany for 8.2%, and Belgium for 7.5%. Even combined, these three countries represented just 29.6% of total imports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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