Chocolate bars market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market for chocolate bars in Russia expanded, driven by consumer perception of chocolate as a healthier treat due to high cocoa content and manufacturers' focus on launching new flavors and formats. This growth was supported by increased investment in production capacity. However, in 2020, market volume contracted as the COVID-19 pandemic reduced mobility and affected out-of-home consumption.

The market recovered and entered a sustained growth phase from 2021 to 2023. Post-pandemic demand revival, coupled with a shift toward premium and functional chocolate with higher cocoa content, boosted consumption. Regulatory changes played a key role: amendments to the Customs Union's technical regulation (TR TS 021/2011) came into force in November 2022, followed by the introduction of the new national standard GOST R 70337-2022. These updates coincided with the entry of new players and the development of dietary and specialty segments, which expanded the overall market. Additionally, rising global cocoa prices and supply shortages prompted a focus on import substitution and increased domestic production.

After peaking in 2023, the market volume declined in 2024. The full implementation of updated GOST and technical regulation requirements, along with persistently high cocoa bean costs, increased production expenses and affected consumer prices. While domestic manufacturers continued to expand their assortment and export focus, these cost pressures and regulatory adjustments moderated market size. Production data for 2025 indicates a further decrease in output, suggesting continued market adjustment.

Production chocolate bars in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Russia produced 287.9 thousand tons of chocolate bars, marking a 3.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 7.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 6.1%, while the largest decline was recorded in 2020, at 2.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports chocolate bars from Russia

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Russia exported 74,208 tons of chocolate bars, representing a 13.2% year-on-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 34.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.4%. The largest increase was in 2019, at 24.0%, while the largest decline occurred in 2020, at 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, the largest buyers of Russian chocolate bars by volume were Kazakhstan, accounting for 18.3% of exports, Saudi Arabia at 11.3%, and Belarus at 10.1%. Together, these three countries made up 39.7% of total exports, with the remainder distributed among numerous smaller partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Russia's chocolate bar exports increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 255.4 million US dollars, a robust 17.0% gain compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 32.9%, equating to an average annual rate of 9.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Russia's export portfolio for chocolate bars in value terms was quite diverse. Kazakhstan led with 18.0% of exports, followed by Belarus at 10.5%, and Uzbekistan at 9.4%. Combined, these three countries represented 37.9% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports chocolate bars to Russia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Russia imported 56,420 tons of chocolate bars, a dramatic 25.8% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 39%, with an average annual rate of 11.6%. The largest decline was in 2020, at 8.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belarus, and Austria were the top sources for chocolate bar imports into Russia by volume, together accounting for 67.0% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Russia's chocolate bar imports reached 249.5 million US dollars, a 27.2% increase from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 33.4%, with an average annual rate of 10.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 10.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany was the leading source for chocolate bar imports into Russia by value, with a 39.5% share, followed by Belarus at 16.2%, and Austria at 6.6%. Together, these three countries formed the main cluster, representing 62.2% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021