Chocolate bars market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Spanish chocolate bar market volume increased from 58.4 thousand tonnes to 95.9 thousand tonnes, with market value rising from 302.2 million USD to 392.6 million USD. This expansion was supported by the entry of international trends such as raw cocoa and bars with inclusions, alongside a growing consumer focus on ethically produced chocolate, which encouraged brands to invest in premium and fair-trade segments.

From 2022 onward, innovation continued with the launch of Spain's first vegan chocolate tablet by Lindt and increased market share for distributor brands, particularly in countlines. In 2023, cocoa and chocolate consumption rose by 8%, driven by new opportunities in premium lines and festive segments. By 2024, despite a 5.6% dip in volume, per-person spending increased as sustainability and vegan trends persisted, with major players like Nestlé and Cargill adapting to rising cocoa butter prices and shifting consumer preferences.

Production chocolate bars in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Chocolate bar production in Spain increased after a two-year decline. In 2020, output was valued at 377.0 M $ US, which is 10.6% higher than in 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 340.9 M $ US, with the largest decline of 4.0% occurring that year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 5.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Chocolate bar production in Spain increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 93 881 t were produced, which is 9.9% more than in 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 76 173 t, with the largest decline of 0.4% occurring that year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 12.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 22.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.1%.

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

Exports chocolate bars from Spain

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year uptick, cross-border shipments of chocolate bars from Spain declined. In 2020, Spain exported 52 066 t, corresponding to a moderate reduction of 3.1% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 53 747 t, with the largest increase of 7.8% occurring in 2018. Over the period 2017-2020, exports increased by 5.3%, with a CAGR of 1.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany remained the main markets for Spain's chocolate bar exports in kind. France accounted for 34.0% of exports, the United Kingdom for 14.3%, and Germany for 10.8%, jointly taking 59.1% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's chocolate bar export volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 215.9 M $ US, reflecting a decrease of 2.4% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 225.4 M $ US, with the largest increase of 11.0% occurring that year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports increased by 6.2%, with a CAGR of 2.0%.

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

In 2017–2020, France, Portugal, and Germany were the principal destinations for Spain's chocolate bar exports in value terms. France accounted for 32.2% of exports, Portugal for 10.0%, and Germany for 9.4%, jointly accounting for 51.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports chocolate bars to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Spain's volume of chocolate bar imports declined. In 2020, Spain imported approximately 37 351 t, which is 1.8% less than in the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 38 026 t, with the largest increase of 7.2% occurring in 2018. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 12.7%, with a CAGR of 4.1%.

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

In 2017–2020, Germany, Austria, and France accounted for the largest share of Spain's chocolate bar imports in kind. Germany represented 44.5% of imports, Austria 18.1%, and France 15.7%, together comprising 78.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign chocolate bar supplies to Spain increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 177.7 M $ US, indicating a small uptick of 0.7% from a year earlier. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 5.3%, with a CAGR of 1.7%.

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

In 2017–2020, three principal markets — Germany, France, and Austria — together accounted for 75.0% of total imports in value terms of chocolate bars to Spain.

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

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