Cocoa beans market in Peru

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, Peru's cocoa bean production increased steadily from 134.7 thousand tons to 172.7 thousand tons. This growth was supported by public policies such as the 'Cacao para la paz' program, which encouraged cultivation in areas affected by illicit crops, and the diversification of cocoa varieties that enhanced commercial value. The global demand for fine aroma cocoa positioned Peru as a relevant producer in this segment, further stimulating output.

The adoption of sustainable production technologies and strengthening of cooperatives improved export capabilities, leading to a rise in exports from 62.0 thousand tons in 2018 to 64.6 thousand tons in 2022. However, in 2023, production slightly declined to 166.9 thousand tons while exports jumped to 71.3 thousand tons, reducing the domestic market size to 95.8 thousand tons. This shift reflected the sector's focus on formalization and capturing higher-value international markets.

In 2024, exports reached a record 102.8 thousand tons, fueled by global factors such as reduced production in West Africa due to climatic issues and the cocoa swollen shoot virus disease, which drove international prices higher. Peru's emphasis on quality, traceability, and organic production allowed it to expand into strategic markets like the United States, Europe, and Asia, consolidating its role as a key supplier of premium cocoa.

Production cocoa beans in Peru

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Peru maintained the 8th position globally in terms of cocoa bean production volume.

Top producers of cocoa beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa beans, 2017-2020

Cocoa bean production in Peru increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Peru produced 158.9 K t of cocoa beans, marking a 12.1% improvement compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 30.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Peru's cocoa bean production value rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output of cocoa beans was valued at 431.5 M $ US in Peru, showing an 18.3% increase over the past year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 38.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%.

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

Exports cocoa beans from Peru

Exports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of cocoa beans from Peru declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Peru exported 53 685 t of cocoa beans, indicating a solid drop of 10.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 7.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.7%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 61 951 t, with the largest increase also occurring in 2018 at 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Indonesia were the main markets for Peru's cocoa bean exports in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 23.1% of exports, Belgium for 16.7%, and Indonesia for 14.8%, together representing 54.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of cocoa beans from Peru declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Peru exported 145.7 M $ US of cocoa beans, down by 5.4% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 159.1 M $ US, with the largest increase also in 2018 at 7.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Indonesia were the main destinations for Peru's cocoa bean exports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 23.0% of exports, Belgium for 15.3%, and Indonesia for 13.4%, together representing 51.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cocoa beans to Peru

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 6.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the volume of cocoa bean imports to Peru registered 421 t, down by 4.5% year-over-year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 441 t, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 244.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia were the main sources for cocoa bean imports to Peru in kind. Ecuador accounted for 45.1% of imports, Venezuela for 32.0%, and Colombia for 21.2%, jointly taking 98.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with an 8.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign cocoa bean supplies to Peru came to 1.1 M $ US, corresponding to a moderate drop of 5.7% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1.1 M $ US, with the largest increase in 2018 at 308.1%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, Ecuador and Venezuela remained the main suppliers of cocoa beans to Peru in value terms, with a combined share of 80.1% of total imports, while the remainder was fragmented across other countries.

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

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