Chocolate bars market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Italian chocolate bars market experienced a significant contraction in volume, falling from 479 thousand tons to 191 thousand tons, with market value also declining from $1.4 billion to $1.1 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 initially constrained consumer activity, contributing to this downturn, though the market showed signs of stabilization by the year's end.

A strong recovery followed from 2021 to 2023. Market volume grew to 297 thousand tons in 2023, driven primarily by the chocolate bars and tablets segment, which expanded by 8.6% in volume and 10.6% in value in 2021 alone. This growth was fueled by new product innovations, including the launch of vegan and functional chocolate bars, and a shift in consumer preference toward dark chocolate with high cocoa content, preferred by 40% of Italian consumers. Concurrently, major industry players like Barry Callebaut and Ferrara Candy Co. strengthened their positions through strategic acquisitions.

In 2023, market value rose to $1.8 billion, supported by corporate activity such as Hershey's limited-edition launches and a growing focus on sustainability, exemplified by Lotte's blockchain pilot for cocoa traceability. By 2024, market volume declined to 232 thousand tons, though value remained stable at $1.8 billion. This period saw Italian chocolate exports increase by 4.9% in volume and 17.2% in value, while new VAT regulations introduced a reduced 10% rate for certain cocoa-based protein products, potentially influencing market dynamics.

Production chocolate bars in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's chocolate bar production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 087 million US dollars, marking a 9.9% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 37.3%, which translates to an annualized decline of 14.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Italy produced 187.8 thousand tonnes of chocolate bars, representing a 1.3% increase from the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 42.3%, averaging an annualized decline of 16.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 185.4 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 468.5 thousand tonnes. The most significant decrease was in 2019 at 60.4%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 43.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports chocolate bars from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Chocolate bar exports from Italy grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, shipments reached 38 021 tonnes, showing a modest increase of 9.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 29.8%, with an annualized growth rate of 9.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's chocolate bar exports were distributed across numerous markets. Even the top destinations—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—collectively accounted for only 46.1% of total export volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Chocolate bar exports from Italy increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value amounted to 269.7 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate rise of 9.1% over 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 21.1%, averaging an annualized increase of 6.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's chocolate bar exports in value terms were not heavily concentrated. The leading markets—France (24.8% of export value), Germany (12.6%), and the United Kingdom (9.3%)—together made up just 46.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports chocolate bars to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's chocolate bar imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 42 964 tonnes, indicating a slight reduction of 1.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 42 964 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 2.9%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 1.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany (50.0% of import volume), the Netherlands (13.1%), and Switzerland (9.5%) dominated Italy's chocolate bar imports, together comprising 72.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Italy imported 242.2 million US dollars worth of chocolate bars in 2020, up by 5.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.8%, averaging an annualized growth of 0.9%. The lowest import value was in 2019 at 229.5 million US dollars, and the largest decline that year was 4.8%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Germany (49.5% of import value), France (11.4%), and Switzerland (11.0%) led Italy's chocolate bar import structure, together accounting for 71.9% of total import flows.

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

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