Cocoa beans market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

Guatemala's cocoa bean market volume expanded from 13 313 t in 2018 to 16 583 t in 2023, primarily driven by a surge in imports, which more than doubled over the period. This growth was underpinned by the implementation of the National Cocoa Agrocadena Strategy 2016-2025, a government policy designed to strengthen the production and export chain. However, domestic output remained insufficient to meet rising local demand, leading to increased reliance on imported beans.

Domestic production stayed stable at around 11 700 t, supported by Ministry of Agriculture programs that distributed cocoa plants to family farmers in suitable regions. The sector gained significant international recognition in 2023 when Guatemalan cocoa was ranked among the world's best by Cacao of Excellence, spurring innovation and new export opportunities, exemplified by Grupo El Tesoro's first shipment to Indonesia using high-density plantations and irrigation.

Market development was further guided by AGEXPORT's initiatives focusing on technology, sustainability, and quality differentiation to address climatic challenges and align with standards like the European Green Deal. The government's market information system provided key data for commercial decisions, helping maintain market stability despite international price influences.

Production cocoa beans in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala ranked 21st globally in cocoa bean production.

Top producers of cocoa beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa beans, 2017-2020

Cocoa bean production in Guatemala increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 11 806 tonnes of cocoa beans, marking a 1.5% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 11 576 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 2.1%.

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

Exports cocoa beans from Guatemala

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Guatemala exported 219 tonnes of cocoa beans, representing a significant increase of 61.4% over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 47.2%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 13.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 136 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary buyers of Guatemalan cocoa beans were the United States (28.7% of exports in volume), the Netherlands (23.7%), and Italy (13.6%). Together, these three countries accounted for 66.0% of total cocoa bean exports from Guatemala.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Guatemala's cocoa bean exports in value terms rebounded. In 2020, the country exported cocoa beans worth 891 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 45.6% compared to the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, overall exports decreased by 53.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 22.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 612 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 65.1%.

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

During the period 2017–2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Italy were the three main markets for Guatemalan cocoa beans in value terms, collectively absorbing 85.2% of total exports.

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

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

Imports cocoa beans to Guatemala

Imports in kind, t

Guatemala's cocoa bean imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 3 569 tonnes, showing a dramatic rise of 61.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports grew by 35%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 886 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 28.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nicaragua and Honduras dominated as suppliers of cocoa beans to Guatemala, jointly accounting for 99.6% of total imports in volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cocoa bean imports into Guatemala increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 333 thousand US dollars, indicating a 54.0% improvement over the previous year. However, over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 2.4%, with a CAGR of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 843 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 38.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Nicaragua and Honduras formed the core markets for cocoa bean imports into Guatemala in value terms, with a combined share of 99.2% of total import flows.

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

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